Washington @ San Francisco preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 13, 2015 ) Washington 1, San Francisco 3

The Washington Nationals aren’t ready to panic, but some concern might be justified heading into Friday’s game against the host San Francisco Giants. The Nationals and their disappearing offense have gone 10-17 since the All-Star break to fall a season-high 4 1/2 games behind the NL East-leading Mets, who show no signs of slowing down.

The Nationals have been held to one run over their last 28 innings and need more production from the middle of their lineup — Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth and Ian Desmond were a combined 0-for-9 with six strikeouts in Thursday’s 3-1 loss to the Giants — but manager Matt Williams remains patient. “We have to be positive and move on,” he told the Washington Post. “It hasn’t worked out since the break the way we wanted it to, but that doesn’t mean it can’t turn.” They’ll look to get untracked Friday against the Giants, who have moved within 2 1/2 games of the first-place Dodgers in the NL West. The Giants are playing without left fielder Nori Aoki, who was placed on the seven-day concussion disabled list prior to Thursday’s game but hopes to return when eligible.

TV: 10:15 p.m. ET, MASN (Washington), CSN Bay Area (San Francisco)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Nationals RH Max Scherzer (11-8, 2.44 ERA) vs. Giants RH Matt Cain (2-3, 5.59)

Scherzer received his second straight no-decision Sunday against Colorado as he allowed four runs over six innings — including a season-high three home runs. The 2013 AL Cy Young award winner has cooled since the All-Star break with a 4.50 ERA over his last four starts. Gregor Blanco is 3-for-5 against Scherzer, who is 1-3 with a 5.12 ERA in four career starts against San Francisco.

Cain’s struggles since coming off the disabled list continued Saturday, when he allowed five runs in four-plus innings against the Cubs. “He doesn't look the same as he has in the past. He’s just not quite as sharp with all his pitches,” Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford told MLB.com. Cain is 5-5 with a 3.34 ERA in 14 career starts against Washington, including a 2.34 ERA in seven outings at AT&T Park.

WALK-OFFS

1. The Giants recalled 1B/OF Ryan Lollis from Triple-A Sacramento to take Aoki’s roster spot.

2. Werth is 8-for-56 since returning from the disabled list in late July.

3. San Francisco RHP Tim Hudson (right shoulder strain) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Single-A San Jose on Friday.

PREDICTION: Nationals 6, Giants 2