Before the San Francisco Giants get some time off for the All-Star break they'll have a pair of tough road tests to tackle first, with their first stop in our Nation's capitol to take on the first place Washington Nationals.
Both these squads have won four of their last six contests, though the Nats are fresh off a series win down in Atlanta while the Giants split a four-game set with the Reds. The Black and Orange are an even 19-19 on the road this year, looking to keep their 1.5 game lead over the Dodgers intact.
Jordan Zimmermann (4-6, 2.77) faces off against Tim Lincecum (3-8, 5.60) in the series opener Tuesday. Zimmerman is coming off a terrific outing on eight innings of one run ball against the Rockies, while Timmy finally earned himself a W with his seven scoreless innings against the Dodgers in his last start. - First pitch is at 3:35 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
Have breakfast with the Giants on Independence Day as Edwin Jackson (4-4, 3.57) takes on LHP Madison Bumgarner (10-4, 2.85) on Wednesday morning. Jackson got rocked for eight runs in just three innings in his last outing but luckily got a no decision, while Bumgarner has been flat out dominant as of late, taking no losses in the month of June and holding the Dodgers scoreless in a complete game one-hitter in his last start. First pitch is at 8:05 a.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
Ross Detwiler (4-3, 3.30) locks horns with Mr. Perfect Matt Cain (9-3, 2.53) in the series finale on Thursday. Detwiler, who has bounced back-and-froth from the bullpen and the rotation held the Braves to four runs in 6.2 innings of work in his last outing, a no decision. Cain took his first loss in seemingly forever (it actually since May 1) to the Reds in his last start, allowing five runs on 11 hits in 6.2 innings of work. First pitch is at 4:05 p.m. PT with coverage on CSN Bay Area and KNBR 680 AM.
For more on the Giants, make sure to check out McCovey Chronicles. For the Nationals side of things check out Federal Baseball.