Giants at Nationals
The light-hitting San Francisco Giants demonstrated a rare power display by belting a season-high three home runs in their series-opening victory over the Washington Nationals. The Giants look to flex their muscles once again on Wednesday night when they bid for a series win in the nation's capital.
Evan Longoria extended his hitting streak to six games with a solo homer in the fifth inning of Tuesday's 7-3 victory for San Francisco, which had gone deep a National League-worst 10 times in the first 17 contests. Steven Duggar had a two-run blast in that frame and Brandon Belt added a solo shot for his team-leading fourth homer for the Giants, who have won four of their last five contests. Washington's Anthony Rendon continued to improve his stock as his representatives reportedly resumed contract negotiations with the organization on Tuesday. The 28-year-old had an RBI single in the seventh inning to extend his career-best hitting streak to 14 games, although he is just 3-for-15 against Wednesday starter Jeff Samardzija.
TV: 7 p.m. ET, NBCS Bay Area (San Francisco), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Jeff Samardzija (1-0, 1.62 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jeremy Hellickson (1-0, 2.25)
Samardzija authored a gem last Wednesday, scattering three hits and striking out seven in seven innings of a 1-0 victory versus Colorado. The 34-year-old hasn't enjoyed such favorable results against Washington, posting an 0-6 mark with a gaudy 7.39 ERA in his last six starts to drop his career record to 2-8 with a 4.63 ERA in 17 appearances. Matt Adams has flustered Samardzija to the tune of going 9-for-17 with three homers and seven RBIs, although Ryan Zimmerman is 4-for-24 with eight strikeouts against the veteran hurler.
Hellickson avenged a tough relief outing against Philadelphia by besting his former team eight days later, scattering three hits and overcoming four walks in six innings of a 15-1 romp last Wednesday. The 32-year-old was handed an early cushion and was comfortable from the get-go during his six-strikeout performance. Hellickson, who owns a 2-3 career record with a 4.75 ERA versus San Francisco, has kept Buster Posey (1-for-10) at bay while struggling a bit against both Brandon Crawford (5-for-13, homer) and Belt (3-for-8).
WALK-OFFS
1. Washington RF Adam Eaton is 10-for-22 with seven runs scored in his last five contests.
2. San Francisco CF Kevin Pillar has hit safely in nine of his last 11 games and scored a run eight times in that stretch.
3. Nationals SS Wilmer Difo is 3-for-7 in his last two contests after going 2-for-21 in his previous six.