Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Prediction: Can the Nats Get to Anthony DeSclafani?

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Prediction: Can the Nats Get to Anthony DeSclafani?

Don’t let the Nationals get hot! It might be too late, as the Nats have been playing .500 ball for the better half of two weeks after a brutal start to the season. This team can hit, especially on the road. The Nats have not only more wins on the road this season, but their offense has looked much better. After some late-inning heroics from Joey Meneses and the Nationals in Arizona, the Nats travel to San Francisco with their rookie on the mound. Will Jake Irvin follow up a solid first career start with another gem, or will Anthony DeSclafani pitch another gem for the Giants?

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Date, Time and Where to Watch

• Date: Monday, May 8, 2023
• Time: 9:45 pm ET
• Where to Watch: MLBTV

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Prediction

Both starters in this late-night MLB game have over-performed this season. Jake Irvin has one good start under his belt where he was effectively wild, giving up only one run but four walks in 4.1 innings pitched. Irvin pitched around many of the Cubs' bats, which paid off but left many on the basepaths. Chicago had plenty of chances to take advantage of the free passes, but couldn’t come through. Irvin’s command should improve as his nerves settle, which may not help the Nationals win this game. If Irvin starts filling the zone, we might see him get roughed up by this Giants’ veteran lineup like everyone expected in his debut.

Anthony DeSclafani is coming off an eight-inning shutout in Houston, lowering his ERA to 2.13 on the year. The regression monster is waiting for DeSclafani, who has avoided pitching against solid offenses in five of his six starts this season. Yes, DeSclafani is coming off a legacy performance against the Astros. If he was going to deal again tonight, why would the total be at 8.5 in a pitcher's park? Patrick Corbin is starting tomorrow in this series and that total is at 7.5. You’re telling me the total tonight is at 8.5 with Irvin and the red-hot DeSclafani? Expect runs at Oracle Park tonight from both sides with a total set this high.

The Nationals' offense is underrated. Yes, they’ve been losing games recently that they probably should have won. You can thank Kyle Finnegan and the rest of the Nationals bullpen who’s been leaking oil recently. Luckily, the Giants' bullpen is just as bad and has plenty of left-handed arms to pull out against the Nats' lineup that prefers LHP. Taylor Rogers could be in for a rough inning with his 5.91 ERA if he enters the game tonight. Either way, these bullpens are taxed and should both allow runs tonight.

Whether it’s the Nationals’ rookie, the over-performing DeSclafani, or either bullpen, runs will be easy to come by in San Francisco tonight. Back the over in what could be the highest-scoring game on the slate. Both starting pitchers are overvalued, and the Nationals have been scoring runs like no other on the road.

Washington Nationals vs. San Francisco Giants Pick

• PICK: WSH/SF o8.5 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds