San Francisco @ Washington preview
Nationals Park
Last Meeting ( Jun 8, 2011 ) Washington 1, San Francisco 3
Tim Lincecum may have won his last start, but he has a tall order on his plate when the visiting San Francisco Giants open a three-game series versus the Washington Nationals. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner ended a career-worst 10-game winless stretch in his last outing with a brilliant four-hit effort over seven scoreless innings versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. NL West-leading San Francisco has won seven of its last 10 while NL East-leading Washington has emerged victorious in four of its last six.
Lincecum will be opposed by Jordan Zimmermann, who finally received some run support in his last outing. Zimmermann will attempt to win his first home start of the season on Tuesday. He could use some help from rookie Bryce Harper, who is one of the five finalists for the last spot on the National League's All-Star team.
TV: 6:35 p.m. ET, CSBA (San Francisco), MASN (Washington)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Giants RH Tim Lincecum (3-8, 5.60 ERA) vs. Nationals RH Jordan Zimmermann (4-6, 2.77 ERA)
Lincecum posted his first win since April 28 on Wednesday when he shut down the Dodgers. The 28-year-old has won just one of three career decisions versus Washington - although he has permitted just 19 runs in six starts. Lincecum's lone victory over Washington came over four years ago.
Zimmermann recorded his first win in nearly one month when he allowed one run in seven innings against Colorado on Wednesday. The 26-year-old boasts a 2-1 career mark versus San Francisco, limiting the Giants to a .223 batting average while registering a 1.04 ERA. Zimmermann is 0-3 in seven home outings.
WALK-OFFS
1. After being mired in a pronounced slump, Ryan Zimmerman has gotten into the swing of things. The Washington third baseman has belted three homers and drove in 13 runs over his last eight games. Zimmerman is just 1-for-7 in his career versus Lincecum.
2. Washington right-hander Tyler Clippard won the Major League Baseball's Delivery Man of the Month Award for June. He converted all 10 save chances and permitted just one run in 11 2/3 innings.
3. The teams come into the series virtually even in total offense. San Francisco has scored 317 runs on the season, with Washington at 316.