Washington Nationals Series Preview: Nats At Giants (8/13-8/16)

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Gio Gonzalez (9-4, 3.50) vs. Jake Peavy (2-5, 3.75) – 10:05 PM ET, MASN2 + FOX SPORTS 1

This matchup on Saturday night will be a re-match of the one that took place on July 3 at Nats Park. First, let’s talk about Gio Gonzalez, as he got the West Coast trip started for the Nationals on the right note. The 29-year-old left—hander went eight innings, gave up no runs on seven hits, struck out six, and walked one.

In his last eight starts, Gonzalez has given up no more than two runs in each game. Plus, his command has been much better as he has walked two batters in his last two starts. In five starts since the All-Star Break, Gonzalez is 3-0 with a 1.88 ERA.

In eight starts against the Giants, Gonzalez is 3-2 with a 2.40 ERA. Back on July 3, Gonzalez went seven innings, gave up one run on five hits, and struck out six in a victory. Buster Posey is 4-for-17 against the left-hander with a home run.

As for Peavy, the 34-year-old right-hander has given up three runs or fewer in five of his last six starts and has a 3.07 ERA in five starts since the All-Star Break. While Peavy only went five innings in his last start against the Cubs, he gave up two runs on four hits, struck out six, and walked two, but the Giants lost 2-0. Nevertheless, Peavy still has given up six earned runs in his last four outings. In 13 starts against the Nationals, Peavy is 4-6 with a 3.79 ERA. Jayson Werth is 3-for-16 against Peavy with three RBI’s.

Advantage: Both of these pitchers have been on a good roll as of late, but I am going to give the edge to Peavy in this game. Even though Gonzalez has been the Nats’ best starter as of late, Peavy has done a good job in picking up the rest of the rotation behind Bumgarner. Giants get a 5-4 victory.

Next: Sunday's Matchup