Giants vs. Nationals: NLDS Game 2 TV Schedule, Preview, Prediction
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National League Division Series Game 2: San Francisco Giants @ Washington Nationals (Giants lead 1-0)
Game Time, TV: Saturday, October 4, 2014 – 5:30 PM ET on Fox Sports 1
Probable Starters: Tim Hudson (9-13, 3.57 ERA) vs. Jordan Zimmermann (14-5, 2.66 ERA)
Giants’ pitcher Jake Peavy posted 5 2/3 shutout innings in Game 1, which ultimately enabled San Francisco to hold off a late Nationals comeback Friday evening. The Giants eked out a 3-2 win, giving them the early advantage in the NLDS.
But there’s a possible momentum change coming for the Nats in the form of Jordan Zimmermann. No single player is bringing more juice into the 2014 postseason, as the RHP is coming off his first career no-hitter in the regular season finale.
Washington had a difficult time getting going at the plate in Game 1, until Bryce Harper blasted an upper deck shot to right field in the 7th. Asdrubal Cabrera followed up Harper’s shot with one of his own two at bats later, but that was about the extent of the Nats offense in the series opener, as they managed just six hits total.
The Giants will send veteran Tim Hudson to the mound in Game 2, a man who has plenty of postseason experience. Hudson has started 10 playoff games during his lengthy career, but hasn’t toed in the rubber in October since 2010. He’s coming off a decent regular season, where he posted his lowest ERA since 2011 (3.57).
Most of the signs point to Game 2 being as low-scoring and tightly contested as Game 1, given the quality of pitchers on the mound. But don’t be surprised to see a little more production at the plate. Both teams had no trouble getting runs across during the regular season, with San Francisco ranking 12th and Washington ranking 9th in runs scored.
Prediction: Zimmermann posts a quality start and the Nationals’ bats more than double their production from Game 1. Nats win, 5-3.
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