Washington Nationals vs San Francisco Giants Picks and Predictions May 23rd 2025

Nationals Take Momentum into Series Opener Against Giants

The Washington Nationals are finding their rhythm, and there’s no better time for it. On Friday, they’ll host the San Francisco Giants to begin a three-game set, riding high on a season-best five-game win streak. Fueled by fresh faces, clutch hits, and just the right amount of luck, Washington looks to keep the magic alive.

Their latest victory—a thrilling 10-inning 8-7 win over the Orioles—was the perfect snapshot of what’s been clicking lately. From walk-off heroics to impressive debuts, the Nationals are suddenly must-watch baseball.

Amed Rosario Walk-Off Sparks Nationals’ Fifth Straight Win

Before looking at pitching matchups or player stats, we’ve got to talk about the moment that kept the streak alive. The Nationals had a shaky ninth inning, losing their lead against the Orioles, but Amed Rosario made sure it didn’t matter.

In the bottom of the 10th, with the pressure mounting, Rosario delivered the game-winning single that drove in Robert Hassell III, making his MLB debut all the more memorable.

This win wasn’t just another tally—it was a gut-check moment, showing that this team knows how to fight late.

For game-by-game analysis, visit our MLB Picks Page.

Robert Hassell III Shines in Debut

Making your major league debut in a tied ballgame is pressure-packed. But 23-year-old Robert Hassell III showed he’s built for the moment. Called up just a day earlier due to an injury to Dylan Crews, Hassell wasted no time.

He went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and scored the winning run—becoming the first player in the Nationals’ Washington era to notch two hits and a steal in his debut.

“Truly the most important thing is we got the W,” Hassell said postgame. “It feels amazing to win.”

Want to track young players making an impact? Head over to the Nationals Team Page.

James Wood Continues to Rake

While Hassell was turning heads in his first game, James Wood continued to show why he’s one of Washington’s most exciting young bats. He added two more hits and three RBIs, pushing his May batting average to .356.

Wood has now hit safely in 16 of his last 19 games, racking up 26 hits in that stretch. His consistency in the middle of the order has anchored an offense that’s becoming increasingly dangerous.

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Starting Pitching Matchup: Gore vs Roupp

Let’s shift gears to the mound. Friday’s pitching duel brings an interesting contrast of styles and storylines.

MacKenzie Gore Gets the Ball for Washington

MacKenzie Gore, another piece of the 2022 Juan Soto trade, has had an up-and-down season. On paper, his 2-4 record and 3.67 ERA seem middle-of-the-road, but his stuff remains electric.

In his last outing, he struck out nine Orioles over 3 2/3 innings—despite giving up 10 hits. It was a strange game where high pitch counts and a lack of soft contact drove him out early.

“We probably got to get under the hood and see what’s going on,” Gore said. “I thought I threw the ball well.”

Historically, Gore is 3-1 with a 6.05 ERA in four career starts vs the Giants.

Giants Counter with Landen Roupp

Across the field, Landen Roupp will get the start for San Francisco. The 26-year-old is coming off a stellar outing against Oakland, throwing six shutout innings and mixing in more changeups and cutters than usual.

“It feels really good to throw up some zeros,” Roupp said, emphasizing how his pitch mix helped keep hitters off balance.

He’s never started against Washington but has seen them out of the bullpen, allowing two runs in 1 2/3 innings earlier this season.

For betting odds on this duel, check out the MLB Odds Page.

Giants Offense: Sneaky Good Despite Low Batting Average

San Francisco might not blow you away on paper—they rank 12th in the NL in team batting average—but they’re finding ways to win. At eight games over .500, they’ve been carried by timely hitting and clutch performances.

Heliot Ramos is Red Hot

Heliot Ramos is hitting .397 over his last 22 games and .442 in his last 12. His bat has added serious punch to the middle of the Giants’ lineup, helping to mask some of the team’s overall inconsistencies.

Wilmer Flores Remains Clutch

Wilmer Flores has also been stepping up lately, hitting .304 with three homers and 10 RBIs in his last 13 games. His 10 home runs on the year speak to his consistent power threat.

Giants manager Bob Melvin acknowledged Flores’ value:
“There’ve been so many games he’s impacted. It’s hard to envision where we’d be without him.”

Want more player trends? Check the Giants Team Page.

What’s at Stake This Series?

This isn’t just a random May series. With the Nationals heating up and the Giants battling for NL West footing, this weekend could offer major implications for both clubs.

For Washington:
They’re looking to extend their win streak, get continued production from their rookies, and prove they can hang with above-.500 teams.

For San Francisco:
It’s about weathering a nine-game road trip and leaning on hot hitters while searching for more consistent pitching from the back end of their rotation.

FAQs

What is the Nationals’ current win streak?
They’ve won five straight games heading into Friday’s matchup with San Francisco.

How did Robert Hassell III perform in his debut?
He went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and scored the game-winning run—an impressive start to his MLB career.

Who’s pitching for the Nationals on Friday?
MacKenzie Gore, who is 2-4 with a 3.67 ERA this season, gets the start.

Who is Landen Roupp and how has he pitched recently?
Roupp is a young righty for the Giants who threw six shutout innings in his last start against the A’s.

Who are the Giants’ hottest hitters right now?
Heliot Ramos and Wilmer Flores are both on fire, hitting well above .300 in recent games.

Where can I find betting info for this series?
Visit the Expert Betting Guide for matchups, tips, and prop bets.