The Washington Nationals (71-44) and San Francisco Giants (63-52) will open up an important National League series on Monday night at AT&T Park, with the first pitch scheduled for 10:15 ET

Washington Nationals at San Francisco Giants  

Washington had its eight-game win streak snapped in a 7-4 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon, which also served as the club’s first road loss since July 27.  “As much as I wish, we weren’t going to win every game the rest of the season,” commented Nationals third baseman Ryan Zimmerman.  The club will need to quickly refocus, as it’s dropped nine of 12 in this ballpark.  Washington is 9-7 as a road underdog of +100 to +125 this season.

Nationals starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez (14-6, 3.32 ERA) is coming off a 4-3 complete-game road victory over the Houston Astros, giving up three runs and nine hits, while striking out seven batters and walking two.  The left-hander is 9-2 with a 3.30 ERA in 13 road outings, surrendering just three home runs in 79 frames.  In four career games versus the Giants, Gonzalez has tallied a 1-2 record and 3.42 ERA, including an 0-1 mark and 3.75 ERA in two starts in this venue.

San Francisco picked up a 9-6 come-from-behind home victory over the Colorado Rockies on Sunday, as the club exploded for five runs in the bottom of the eighth inning.    The Giants were excited to get a major contribution out of outfielder Hunter Pence, who connected on a three-run home run, which eased the pressure he was feeling after batting .149 in his first 11 games with the organization.  San Francisco is 24-11 versus left-handed starters this year, with the “under” going 17-16 in those contests.

Giants starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong (10-5, 2.27 ERA) has received 31 runs of support in winning back-to-back efforts, giving up four runs and eight hits over 13.1 combined innings.  The right-hander is 5-3 with a 1.42 ERA in 11 home outings, with opponents hitting just .194 against him.  Vogelsong has made four relief appearances against the Nationals, allowing a single run and four hits over eight innings.

Sports bettors will likely back the Giants due to their 9-0 mark in Vogelsong’s last nine starts as a favorite, while the Nationals are 3-9 in their last 12 games in the Bay Area.

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