The Giants go for their ninth win in a row as Madison Bumgarner takes on the Pirates and John Locke. Bumgarner comes into the game with a 1.91 ERA. Over the last three seasons he finishes with an ERA between 2.77 and 2.98. Bumgarner is walking a few more batters, but cut down on his home runs allowed. Locke’s walks are great, but he allows quite a few home runs, and due to his low strikeout rate, quite a few other hits as well.

First place teams collide in Texas as Kevin Gausman and the Orioles face Derek Holland and the Rangers. This might also be the slugfest of the night. Gausman is 0-4 in 11 starts, thanks in part to a 4.14 ERA. His walks and strikeouts are good, he’s done well with runners in scoring position, but he has problems on the road. Holland managed to go 5-5 despite a 5.14 ERA. He has pitched better at home, where he allowed just two of his 10 home runs.

Finally, the game of the night pits Stephen Strasburg against Clayton Kershaw as the Nationals battle the Dodgers. The three top strike out leaders will be in the park as Kershaw stands first with 133 K, Max Scherzer is second with 128 K, and Strasburg is tied for third with 118 K. Kershaw owns a much lower ERA than either of the Nats due to many fewer home runs and many fewer walks.

Enjoy!