Nats beat Giants 3-1; Harper injures knee on wet bag from rain before ball game

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Washington Nationals’ Bryce Harper grabs his knee after he was injured running to first during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, August 12, 2017

The good news for the Washington Nationals on Saturday is that they continued their winning ways with a 3-1 verdict over visiting San Francisco.

The bad news is that Nationals’ star Bryce Harper suffered a knee injury. After a long rain delay, Harper hyperextended his left knee while stepping on a wet first base bag.

Washington manager Dusty Baker said Harper would undergo an MRI on Sunday. After the game, Harper was limping, but able to walk. Harper was hitting .327 with 29 home runs and 87 runs batted in playing in 105 games this season.

Harper was running out a ground ball to the right side of the infield in the first inning when the injury occurred. He was trying to avoid contact with San Francisco first baseman Ryder Jones.

The game started after 10 p.m. EDT following a three-hour rain delay. The rain continued when Harper was injured. Because this is the Giants’ final scheduled visit to D.C, this season, MLB had the final call on whether or not to play the game.

Friday’s series opener was rained out and rescheduled for Sunday as part of a day-night doubleheader. With the Nationals leading the NL East by 14 ½ games and the Giants in the NL West basement, the games have no impact on the pennant race. The games could, however, have an effect on who gets home field advantage in the playoffs.

The Nationals got their offense in the game from RBI doubles by Ryan Zimmerman and Adam Lind, and an RBI single by Daniel Murphy, all off Giants starter Jeff Samardzija (7-12).

Washington right-hander Edwin Jackson (3-2) gave up one earned run on five hits and struck out five in six innings. Then, the Nationals got to show off their overhauled bullpen, as Brandon Kintzler, and ex-A’s Ryan Madson and Sean Doolittle, shut down the Giants over the last three innings.

Trading up: Red-hot Beckham leads the Orioles past the A’s

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AP17225135056861
Baltimore Orioles’ Tim Beckham, right, is congratulated by Adam Jones after scoring against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a baseball game Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. Beckham scored on a double by Manny Machado. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

By Morris Phillips

Most impactful trade deadline acquisition? That’s a no-brainer. It’s Tim Beckham, moving from the Rays and into the leadoff spot for the Orioles. Beckham had a leadoff walk and a rally-capping two-run double in the Orioles’ seven-run, first inning that chased A’s starter Sean Manaea, who recorded just one out. The A’s found some balance after the first, but went on to lose 12-5 in the third of this four-game series.

Beckham hit .259 for the Rays in 87 games, but since the Orioles acquired him on July 31 to help replace the injured J. J. Hardy, the shortstop has hit .531 (26 for 49). On Saturday, Beckham actually got hotter than hot with three doubles, four hits total, three runs batted in and a walk.

“Timmy likes playing outside it looks like,” manager Buck Showalter said.

How did the O’s realize this type of impact? And a trade within MLB’s most competitive division between clubs with wild card aspirations and no separation between them in the standings?

First and foremost, Beckham was not a .531 hitter in Tampa, he was a high profile prospect who never realized his potential while clashing with team management over chunks of four seasons since 2014. Looking for a consistent on-base guy, the Rays acquired Adeiny Hechevarria from Miami to play short and set the table, something the strikeout-prone Beckman had shown he could not do.

That slid Beckman over to second base, where he would platoon with Brad Miller, but the right-handed hitter’s numbers–low on walks, high on strikeouts–didn’t justify his inclusion in such an arrangement once Miller became healthy enough to resume playing.

So a deadline deal suited Tampa but the market was soft for a guy with underwhelming numbers and a questionable reputation. So while almost all clubs passed on Beckham, the Orioles did not, feeling that they had a plan and a structure to turn the 27-year old into a consistent force defensively at the game’s most challenging position.

The 34-year old Hardy, a true pro, but unlikely to return to Baltimore on a $14 million club option for 2018, would become Beckman’s mentor, helping him harness his physical skills while bringing a more cerebral approach to the position, something Hardy has mastered while winning multiple Gold Gloves without the athleticism Beckham possesses.

With Hardy still disabled and promised his spot by Showalter once he’s healthy, Beckham has been a willing student, learning to calm down his movements and move more assuredly to batted balls. In 12 games, Beckham has committed three errors, so that process continues.

But at the plate, Beckham’s impact has historic dimensions. Already selected as the AL Player of the Week, Beckham has seven doubles, two triples, three home runs, and 14 runs scored in 12 games with the Orioles.

Amazingly, he has nine multi-hits games, and three of those with three hits. According to Elias Sports Bureau, Beckham is the first player since 1900 to record 13 hits and three home runs in his first five games with a club.

 

 

 

 

Orioles 12 runs, 20 hits & a win; A’s lose as Manaea goes only 1/3 of an inning

Published on by Charlie O. MalloneeLeave a comment

 

by Charlie O. Mallonee

Bob Melvin after the 12-5 loss on Manaea and more

A’s fans did not see this one coming

The Baltimore Orioles sent 11 men to the plate and Sean Manaea to the showers in the top the first inning on Saturday night in Oakland. Manaea was no mystery to the O’s hitters who roughed him up for six runs (all earned) on six hits in 1/3 inning of work.

RHP Michael Brady – who was just recalled from Nashville by the Athletics – took over for Manaea with one out in first inning. He gave up one run when he gave up a two RBI-double to the Orioles shortstop Tim Beckham (one run was charged to Manaea). After 1/2 inning of play, Baltimore led Oakland 7-0.

The A’s made some noise of their own in the bottom of the first. Newcomer Boog Powell picked up a leadoff walk. Chad Pinder struck out and Jed Lowrie grounded out. That brought Khris Davis to the plate to face RHP Dylan Bundy. Davis hit the first pitch from Bundy over center field wall for a two-run home run – his 32nd of the season. After one inning of play, the Baltimore led Oakland 7-2.

The Athletics held the Orioles scoreless in the top of the second inning. Rookie Matt Olson led off the bottom of the second for the A’s. He took the 1-0 pitch from Bundy over the right field wall on a line drive for his sixth home of the year to make a 7-3 game. The crowd of 29,742 fans started coming to life because it looked like the Athletics might make a game of it after all.

The Orioles began to dash the hopes of the Oakland fans in the top of the fourth inning. Joey Rickard led off and was hit by a pitch. Tim Beckham hit a double that moved Rickard to third. With two out and runners at second and third, the veteran Adam Jones singled to left-center field and drove the runners home to give Baltimore a 9-3 lead over the Athletics.

The A’s made some noise in the home half of the eighth inning with Orioles third pitcher of the game Miguel Castro on the mound. Ryon Healy led off with a single to right. With one out, Matt Chapman doubled to left moving Healy up to third base. Catcher Bruce Maxwell hit a sacrifice fly to center field that brought Healy home from third and moved Chapman up to third. Marcus Semien singled to right to drive Chapman in from third to make it a 9-5 game in favor of the Orioles. At that point, A’s fans felt like their team still had a chance to comeback in the game.

The Athletics went with their only left-handed reliever – Daniel Coulombe – to face the O’s in the ninth. The Orioles were not kind to Coulombe as they scored three runs on five hits (including three doubles). When the top half of the inning was over, Baltimore held a commanding 12-5 lead which would ultimately be the final score of the game.

The Orioles scored 12 runs on 20 hits. The committed one error and left nine runners on base. The A’s put up five runs on 10 hits. They played error free baseball and also left nine men on base.

Time of the game was 3 hours and 20 minutes.

In the batters box

Bal Jones vet hitting
Veteran Adam Jones went 3-for-5 at the plate*

Oakland

  • Khris Davis had a 2-for-4 game that included a home run (32) and two RBI (83)
  • Matt Olson showed his power with home run number six and RBI number 12
  • Matt Chapman went 2-for-3 with two doubles (12), one run and one RBI
  • DH Ryon Healy was 2-for-5 and scored a run
  • The A’s were just 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position

Baltimore

Bal Beckham Maxwell
The A’s saw way too much of Beckham on Saturday*
  • Tim Beckham continues to hit at another level since joining the Orioles. He went 4-for-5 in this game with three doubles (12), scored three runs and posted three RBI (45). Beckham extended his hitting streak to 12 games. There have to be some general managers asking how did we overlook him at the trade deadline?
  • The veteran Adam Jones had a 3-for-5 night at the plate and recorded three RBI. He also scored a run.
  • First baseman Chris Davis who has been struggling going just 1-for-14 on the current road trip had 2-for-4 night that included two RBI.
  • The O’s scored 12 runs without the benefit of hitting one home run in the contest. They did hit eight doubles in the game. Many of those extra-base hits banged off the walls.
  • As a team, Baltimore was 9-for-18 with runners in scoring position

On the hill

Oakland

  • It was a nightmare for starter Sean Manaea who takes the loss and falls to 8-7 on the season. He gave up six runs (all earned) on six hits in 0.1 innings of work. His ERA now stands at 4.59
  • Michael Brady worked hard coming into a very difficult long relief situation early in the game. He worked 5.1 innings giving up three runs (earned) on seven hits. Brady struck out five Orioles and walked none
  • Liam Hendriks worked a scoreless 1.1 innings
  • Josh Smith did not allow a run in his one inning of work
  • Daniel Coulombe allowed three runs (earned) on five hits in one inning of relief

Baltimore

BAL Dylan Bundy
Dylan Bundy struck out 10 A’s hitters on his way to the win
  • Dylan Bundy got the win and improves to 12-8 on the season. It was an odd win by the numbers. He pitched 6.0 innings giving up three runs (earned) on seven hits including two home runs which accounted for all three runs. Bundy walked three and struck out 10 (the second time his has struck out that many in his career)
  • Darren O’Day worked a perfect seventh inning
  • Miguel Castro lasted just 0.2 innings giving up two runs on three hits to the A’s in the eighth inning.
  • Mychal Givens (a converted infielder) closed the game giving up no runs or hits in his 1.1 innings on the hill

Up next

The Orioles and Athletics will conclude their four-game series on Sunday at the Coliseum beginning at 1:05 pm PDT. Baltimore will start RHP Jeremy Hellickson (1-1, 2.08) while Oakland will send RHP Kendall Graveman (2-3, 4.97) to the mound for the home team.

*Photos USA TODAY Sports

Takeaways from Raiders preseason opener at Arizona

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Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Joe Hawkes-Beamon
Sports Radio Service Writer

GLENDALE — With the majority of the starting lineup on both sides of the football  sitting out, the Oakland Raiders entered their first preseason game in Arizona looking to develop depth around the championship-caliber roster headlined by franchise quarterback Derek Carr and defensive linchpin, defensive tackle Khalil Mack.

Even though the Silver and Black fell to the Cardinals 20-10 Saturday night at University of Phoenix Stadium, Oakland had some bright spots in the game:

The battle for the No. 2 quarterback

Former Buffalo starting quarterback EJ Manuel started the game for Oakland and was impressive in his first appearance in a Raiders uniform. Manuel looked sharp in the first half, finishing 10-of-12 for 107 and a passer rating of 103.8.

In the second quarter, the fourth-year pro out of Florida St., made a nice throw over a Cardinals defensive back that found tight end Clive Walford for a 30-yard gain that set up a 43-yard field goal by kicker Giorgio Tavecchio that finally got Oakland on the board, 17-3 right before halftime.

Second-year quarterback Connor Cook wasn’t as effective as Manuel, but did lead the Raiders to their only touchdown score of the night.

In the third quarter, Cook engineered a five-play, 63-yard drive, keyed by a 29-yard screen pass to backup running back John Crockett that would setup Crockett’s one-yard score that pulled Oakland closer, 17-10, albeit against Arizona’s third- and fourth-team units.

All indications are that Manuel will cement his position has Carr’s backup once the regular season begins, but Cook (who made NFL history by becoming the first rookie quarterback to make his pro debut in a playoff game last season), will make the decision tough for Del Rio and Co. as the preseason progresses.

The linebacker room

A position that has some question marks coming into the season, the linebackers for Oakland could actually be a strength for the Silver and Black.

With Bruce Irvin firmly entrenched as the team’s starting “SAM” linebacker, Cory James and rookie Marquel Lee made cases to join Irvin in the starting lineup in Week 1 against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville on Sept. 10.

James, in his second year with Oakland out of Colorado St., led the Raiders with seven tackles against Arizona and is currently listed as the team’s starting “WILL” linebacker on the unofficial depth chart.

Rookie Marquel Lee started as the team’s “MIKE” linebacker and finished with six tackles (five solo). Lee, was drafted in the fifth round by the Raiders in this year’s NFL draft, recovered a forced fumble by defensive tackle Justin “Jelly” Ellis in the first half.

The former Wake Forest Demon Deacon still needs to improve is footwork in pass coverage as Lee did find problems covering tight ends on curl- and in-routes.

Overall, the Raiders’ defense racked up four sacks, two a piece by fellow linebacker LaTroy Lewis and defensive tackle Treyvon Hester, possibly developing more depth for a team that must improve a 26th-ranked defense in 2016.

Oakland (1-0) host the Los Angeles Rams next Saturday at the Oakland Coliseum.

The Rams (1-0) defeated the Dallas Cowboys 13-10 Saturday night at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

 

Cardinals double up Raiders in preseason opener 20-10; Beast Mode chills on cooler during anthem

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Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) sits during the national anthem prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)

By Jeremy Kahn

On a night where the Oakland Raiders made their 2017 preseason debut, the biggest talk of the night came from a player who did not even play in the game.

Marshawn Lynch, who signed with the Raiders during the off-season sat on a cooler during the National Anthem prior to the game.

As for the game, Carson Palmer threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brittan Golden, as the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10 at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Palmer and the Cardinals completed a 12-play 70-yard initial drive after the Raiders committed a penalty on the field goal attempt, giving the Cardinals an additional four downs and Palmer finished it off by throwing a touchdown to Golden.

E.J. Manuel, who is competing with Connor Cook for the backup role to Derek Carr got the start in the preseason opener. Manuel went 10-for-12 with 107 yards passing.

Cook played the entire second half for the Raiders, as he went 10-for-21 for 81 yards passing.

Clive Walford led the Raiders in receiving with three catches for 44 yards passing, while Jaydon Mickens also caught three passes for 31 yards.

Mickens also carried the ball one time for a team leading 24 yards rushing.

NOTES: Carr, Lynch and Amari Cooper were the notable Raiders offensive players not to play in the opener.

Both Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin were the biggest defensive players not to play for the Raiders against the Cardinals.

The Raiders open their preseason home schedule on August 19, as the Los Angeles Rams head to Northern California.

Quakes win possession, but not game get blanked by Dynamo 3-0

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~ Photo: Yi-Chin Lee/Houston Chronicle

~ By Pearl Allison Lo

~ In a game that began with a false start, San Jose’s Andrew Tarbell made his first MLS start, but the Houston Dynamo remained undefeated at home (9-0-3) Saturday in a 3-0 win.

Through they had majority control of the ball, the Quakes (9-9-5) were not able to make the final connection they needed.

The Dynamo have not lost in their last six MLS games, while San Jose have lost their last five road games.

Both Alberth Elis and Vicente Sanchez each had a goal and an assist. The Quakes’ Danny Hoesen had a game-high five shots.  

Elis’ goal in the 21st minute was the score for the majority of the game. Tarbell made a fingertip save against Romell Quioto, but that led to a corner. Elis scored off that corner, but there was a potential question regarding him pushing Francois Affolter before that.

At the end of the first half, Had more passes, passing accuracy and possession. Houston had four shots off target and San Jose had two shots blocked . Quioto had four shots, two on goal, Elis had three shots, Hoesen had two shots and the Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski and Jahmir Hyka one apiece.

San Jose almost went a man down early in the second half. Andres Imperiale fouled Erick Torres on his way to the net, and was issued a red card. It was later changed to a yellow card and a penalty shot. With Tarbell seeing penalties a lot sooner than he would like, he was able to make the diving stop against Torres.

Torres helped out a bit on the offensive side too.

Vako had two shots, but one went high and one went the wrong direction up close.

Elis made an impact again when he went into the penalty box to make a pass to Sanchez. Goalie, attacker and defender converged at the corner as Sanchez just got past Nick Lima and Tarbell to make it 2-0 in the 86th minute.  

In stoppage time (the 94th minute), Tarbell’s attempt to go forward did not work out this time as his attempt deflected off Sanchez who kicked the ball back, and as it flirted with the goal line, Mauro Manotas made sure of its direction.

Game notes: It was also Affolter’s first MLS start. San Jose next plays the Philadelphia Union Saturday at 7:30pm.

MLB The Show Podcast with Matt Harrington: A’s Lowrie’s performance Friday showcases he could help a club; Could Dodgers break all time season win records?

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Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Rich Hill throws during the first inning of the team’s baseball game against the San Diego Padres, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Matt Harrington on the MLB Podcast The Show:

1  Jed Lowrie on Friday night’s Oakland A’s 5-4 victory supplied the key hits to help the ball club win. He did so well that any scouts looking for help might try and take Lowrie in the wavier trades during August

2 The LA Dodgers have the roster to possibly break the MLB all time most wins in a season record which is held by both the 1906 Chicago Cubs and the 2001 Seattle Mariners at 116 wins. The Cubs have a slight edge over that 2001 Mariners team they won the 116 games in 154 games while losing only 36 games the Cubs also have a higher winning percentage with .763 to the M’s .716. The Dodgers currently have a .704 percentage and need 35 more wins to tie the record, they have 47 games left which they would have to go 35-12 to tie it.

3.  The Houston Astros have been struggling after the July trade deadline and they’re also having clubhouse descension issues

4. Jeffery Loria owner whose selling the Miami Marlins to a group led by Derek Jeter for $1.2 billion. Jeter once he takes over the reigns in Miami is expected to make the Marlins competitive and a post season club much like they were in the early 2000s.

5 Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia is back on the DL suffering from bad knees, the Sox are still a strong ball club and are in contention and should still do some damage in post season

Matt Harrington does the MLB The Show Podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Categories MLB

A’s Get O’s Help in 8th Inning Rally for 5-4 Win Over Birds

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Oakland Athletics’ Jed Lowrie watches his RBI double against the Baltimore Orioles during the eighth inning of a baseball game Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Oakland, Calif. The Athletics won 5-4. (AP Photo/Ben Margot

By Matthew T.F. Harrington

OAKLAND–The Oakland Athletics erased a two-run deficit in the eighth inning Friday night, beating the visiting Baltimore Orioles 5-4. Matt Olson knocked in two runs while the 3-4-5 hitters of Jed Lowrie, Khris Davis and Chad Pinder all knocked in a run. Jonathan Scoop knocked in a pair of runs and Adam Jones launched a solo shot for the Birds. Starter Ubaldo Jimenez retired ten straight A’s by punchout but exited his start with an injury in the sixth inning.

The Orioles crept out to a 1-0 in the second inning after Jones launched his 22nd homer of the year over the out of town scoreboard after starter Paul Blackburn grooved an 89 mph fastball over the heart of the plate.

Jones would add the second run of the game in the fourth inning, but would only wind up with the one RBI. After Manny Machado doubled, Jonathan Schoop singled for first and third with no outs. Jones bounced into the double-play but Machado scored for a 2-0 lead.

The A’s answered back in the bottom half of the inning when Jed Lowrie led off the inning with his league-leading 36th double. Khris Davis followed up with a double of his own off Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez to break up the shutout. Jimenez punched out Chad Pinder, but rookie Matt Olson clubbed a 91 mile-per-hour fastball over the wall in centerfield for a 3-2 lead.

Blackburn wouldn’t hold the lead for long, giving up back-to-back one out singles to bring Schoop up to the plate with runners on first and second. Schoop hit a wall-ball double to knock in both runs and hand Jimenez a 4-3 advantage. He would depart after 5 1/3 innings after taking a line drive to the body with one out.

The Orioles vaunted pen couldn’t hold the lead for long though after an eighth inning rally from the A’s. Brad Brach opened the inning by coughing up a double to Matt Joyce. Marcus Semien doubled to put runners at the corners. Jed Lowrie tied the game, fighting off rumors of an impending waiver trade to ground-rule double home Joyce and move Semien to third. Khris Davis flew out in shallow left, but Chad Pinder’s sacrifice to deep right field brought home the winning run. Pinder nearly popped out to first baseman Chris Davis, but the O’s slugger dropped the fly ball in foul territory to get a second chance for the A’s infielder.

Sanitago Casilla picked up the win after pitching a rare 1-2-3 inning in the top of the eighth. Blake Treinen also fired a perfect frame to nail down his sixth save and an A’s win.

Saturday’s contest features of pair of talented young arms, with the O’s Dylan Bundy squaring off against Sean Manaea for the A’s. Both starters boast an identical 4.15 ERA heading into the tilt.

49ers Second and Third Stringers Earn the Pre-Season Opener Victory 27-17

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (18) reaches for a pass. the fell incomplete, against Kansas City Chiefs’ Kenneth Acker (27) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Aug. 11, 2017. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

By: Joe Lami

The Kyle Shannahan era is off to a good start for the San Francisco 49ers, as they bested the Kansas City Chiefs in the pre-season opener 27-17 on Friday evening. The victory needs to be taken with a grain of salt of course since much of the 49ers scoring came late in the game, when 3rd, 4th, and 5th stringers were in there for both sides.

Alex Smith tore up San Francisco on his only possession, passing 4-of-6 for 48 yards with most of it coming on a 32-yard pass to Tyreek Hill on a deep route down the sideline. Spencer Ware finished off the scoring drive, punching it in from two yards out.

The rest of the first half seemed to drag on for both sides. New 49ers’ place kicker, Robbie Gould, saw a lot of action, going 3-for-3 to give San Francisco a 9-7 lead going into the half.

49ers’ starting quarterback, Brian Hoyer, saw only two possessions, connecting on one pass for three yards, while a first down was wiped out by a penalty.

The battle for second string is on between Matt Barkley and rookie, C.J. Beathard. Both impressed, as Barkley finished the night 10-of-17 for 168 yards, but Beathard bested him throwing 7-of-11 for 101 yards and two touchdowns that came in the fourth quarter.

The 49ers were outscored 10-0 in the third quarter, giving the Chiefs as 17-9 lead going into the final frame; giving the impression that the Chiefs were running away with it. However, the Niners dominated the fourth charging down the field on multiple occasions led by Beathard and running back, Raheem Mostert, who finished the night rushing for 89 yards on 15 attempts.

The 49ers defense also looked strong once Smith left the field, as they forced two turnovers, including a Rashard Robinson interception. They were also extremely effective at getting off the field, holding Kansas City to a 20% third-down efficiency.

A few of the bright spots on the defensive side of the ball for San Francisco included Soloman Thomas, who played well into the fourth quarter. Aaron Lynch looked like a monster getting to the quarterback, earning two sacks on three tackles. Rookie, Rueben Foster also had a couple of tackles and a pass deflection.

While earning the victory, there were a few choppy parts of the 49ers game as well. The biggest red flag was the yellow flag, as the Niners committed 17 penalties costing them 131 total yards. Penalties continue to be an issue for the red and gold and need to be addressed in the next three pre-season games.

Another concern was the bland performance from running back Carlos Hyde. It has been reported that Hyde could be on the chopping block due to the additions at the position. Hyde earned the start but was held without a yard on two rushes. He needs to step it up to be the starter come regular season.

Overall, the 49ers second and third stringers outperformed Kansas City’s, but the struggles at the beginning of the contest indicate that there is still a lot of room for growth for San Francisco.

 

Giants road opener rained out in Washington

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Daniel Baker, left, and Taylor Triggs, of Arlington, Va., wait under the concourse during a rain delay of a baseball game between the San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals, Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

By Jeremy Kahn

After winning two out of three against the defending World Champion Chicago Cubs to close out a winning home stand, the San Francisco Giants headed east to face the Washington Nationals.

Following an off day in the Nation’s Captiol, the first game of the six-game road trip was postponed due to rain.

The game that was supposed to start at 7:05 (Eastern Time) was finally called after a nearly three-hour delay.

Now with the rainout, the game will be made as part of a day-night doubleheader on Sunday between the Giants and the Nationals.

The first game of the doubleheader will start at 10:05 (Pacific Time), and the second game will begin at 4:05 (Pacific Time).