Pitching Dooms San Francisco Giants as they fall to Nationals

It just wasn’t the San Francisco Giants day as Jeff Samardzija struggled from the opening, and the Giants failed to sweep the Nationals. 

Jeff Samardzija just did not have it today for the San Francisco Giants, he came into the game off a win in Anaheim over the Angels, and hoped for that same success today.

But, what came was a thrashing by the Nationals, and an early exit for Samardzija. He went just 3.2 innings giving up 6 earned runs, and it appeared after a 3 run first that the game was over with Max Scherzer pitching for the Nationals.

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Samardzija really struggled with his command and location in this one and the Nationals jumped all over the opportunities. Matt Adams ended Samardzija’s day with a 3-run homer in the top of the 4th inning.  Adams was a big part of the Nationals scoring outburst as he accounted for 6 of the Nationals 15 runs.

The Giants were going for the sweep of the Nationals today, and it didn’t look to promising when Bochy sat most of the starters. Especially going up against a pitcher like Scherzer. Buster Posey, Evan Longoria, and Mac Williamson were the guys who sat today, and the Giants couldn’t find the offense after the 2nd inning.

The bottom of the order really needs to find their groove though, as both Brandon Crawford and Austin Jackson have been big disappointments in the early going of the season. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Bochy gives Crawford some time off during this upcoming weekend against the Dodgers.

Going back to Samardzija, it’s been a tale of inconsistency every since he signed that big contract with the team. The team really needs him to perform up to his capabilities with the rotation being short a few more weeks without Madison Bumgarner.

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It appeared that Samardzija might have injured his pectoral muscle again in the first inning, so it will be interesting if any news comes from Bochy after the game. The team really can’t afford another injury to the rotation because they’re just so short when it comes to starting pitching.

The Giants will next host the Los Angeles for 4 games, as they will play a double header on Saturday to make up for a rainout. The Dodgers have been off to a rocky start this year, and the Giants get some good news as they don’t look lined up to face ace Clayton Kershaw. It will be a very important series for both teams, and would be a huge boost to the Giants if they get a series win.