The Coach's MLB Live on ESPN - SF@WAS
(MLB) San Francisco vs. Washington,
Money Line: -155.00 Washington (Home)
Result: Win
The reeling World Series Champs the San Francisco Giants are coming off five consecutive losses, the two most recent at the hands of the Washington Nationals who are looking to complete the sweep of this three-game set Sunday night. It's a steep price to pay, but I think the Nats will prove to be well worth the money in this contest.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Giants hand the ball to Ryan Vogelsong (6-6, 4.19 ERA) who is off a disappointing start when he conceded four runs on seven hits with two homers in six innings of a 5-3 loss at Miami. He's struggled away from home all season long compiling a 5.40 ERA over nine outings (eight starts) and is 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA in nine career appearances (five starts) against the Nationals who will counter with Jordan Zimmermann (6-5, 3.16). The 29 year old right-hander is off back-to-back shutout performances against Atlanta as he held the Braves scoreless over 15 2/3 innings, surrendering 12 hits and no walks. Zimmerman is at his best at home (2.39 ERA) and under the lights (2.38 ERA) and he's 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA in eight career starts against San Francisco.

2. Home Cookin' - The Nats are a solid 21-14 home at Nationals Park this season and they've won eight straight in front of the home-fans.

3. X-Factor - Denard Span is 5-for-13 with two doubles and a triple against Vogelsong lifetime and 8-for-21 with three stolen bases in his last six games overall.

Selection: This is a play on the Washington Nationals (8*)