Giants F5 (-150) FG (-142) (Gonzalez / Bumgarner)

That is a lot higher odds play than I normally run with but in this case I can honestly say I think it is justified. We not only have the higher rated pitcher (70.9 / 67.2) going with home field advantage but the Giants have the higher rated offense (35.7 / 25.9) and higher earned run production per 9 innings (4.8 / 2.8) versus lefty but have done it versus a slightly higher strength of schedule (68.9 / 68.2). It is uncommon for all four of those factors to come together with last years Cy Young winner as the opponent. Sure, you can make a case that Gio has looked better his last 3 than Madison, but the opponents were Pirates, Cubs, Padres, and none of them have the lefty hitting prowess the Giants do. By contrast Bumgarner faced the Phillies, Braves, and Rockies, all 3 better versus lefty than righty. After 10 days on the Left Coast the Nats should be ready to mount the plane for a day off at home before hosting the Phillies Friday night. The bags are packed and on the bus. Will they be fully “into” this game? I have my doubts. Adding, S.F. Batting .265 vs LHP & .365 Last 5 v LHP
Wash batting .191 vs LHP.

Great to see!

great seeing you do writeups now, keep'em coming

SP Gio Gonzalez is 12-2 w/2.73 ERA in 21 career games (19 starts) in May

THAT was not good to see!