The set-up: The Washington Nationals began the week with a three-game sweep at Arizona, outscoring the D'backs 32-8. They got a much-deserved day off Thursday and return home to host a three-game series with the slumping Giants. San Francisco entered Thursday's game with the worst record in MLB since the All-Star break at 4-13 but eked out a 3-2 win in 10 innings over the Phillies. The Giants had to be happy that Matt Moore gave then a solid six-inning effort in his first start for his new team (two ERs allowed).

The pitching matchup: Jeff Samardzija (9-7, 4.30 ERA) takes the mound for the Giants and the Nationals go with Gio Gonzalez (6-9, 4.29 ERA). Samardzija continues to be an underachiever, a pitcher with great stuff but his record never seems to match his potential. The Giants are 11-10 in all of his starts in 2016, leaving him minus-$184 vs. the moneyline. August has hardly been a good month for him in his career, as he's 7-16 with a 4.92 ERA in 57 games (25 starts) during the month. Gonzalez had a strong start in 2016 (allowed two ERs or less in seven of his first eight starts for a 1.86 ERA) but he enters this game having seen his season derail since late May. Gonzalez owns a 5.89 ERA in 13 starts since May 23.

The pick: Samardzija was scheduled to start Thursday's series finale at Philadelphia but was pushed back one day following the acquisition of Matt Moore from Tampa Bay. Will the extra rest help? It can't hurt, as Samardzija, has allowed 14 ERs over 16 2 /3 innings (7.56 ERA) while going 0-2 over his last three outings (Giants are 0-3). Getting too excited about Gonzalez seems foolish but he does own a 2.93 career ERA against the Giants in 11 starts. Even with Thursday's win, the Giants have lost nine of their last 11 games away from home. Expect Samardzija to disappoint once again. Washington is an 8* play.