The San Francisco Giants enter Sunday’s finale at Oracle Park focused on protecting home field and strengthening their postseason positioning, leaning on a starting pitcher who can command the strike zone, keep the ball on the ground, and use Oracle Park’s expansive dimensions to limit extra-base damage against a Nationals lineup that thrives on speed and aggressive baserunning. The Giants’ starter will be tasked with attacking early in counts to avoid giving CJ Abrams, James Wood, and Luis García Jr. opportunities to work deep at-bats and create traffic on the bases, while relying on a defense anchored by Matt Chapman’s elite glove at third and athletic outfield coverage to convert contact into outs. Offensively, San Francisco will count on Heliot Ramos to continue driving the ball with authority, Rafael Devers to deliver quality plate appearances and timely power, and Chapman and Casey Schmitt to provide depth in both run production and situational hitting, aiming to elevate MacKenzie Gore’s pitch count and force the Nationals into their less reliable middle relief options.

The Giants’ offensive plan will involve a blend of patience and targeted aggression, with hitters ready to capitalize on any fastball leaks from Gore while also willing to manufacture runs through hit-and-run plays, sacrifice flies, and pressure on the basepaths when opportunities arise. Defensively, San Francisco must be sharp in relay execution to counter Washington’s first-to-third tendencies and ensure clean double-play turns to erase potential scoring threats. In the bullpen, the Giants have the advantage of depth and versatility, with manager Bob Melvin able to deploy high-leverage arms in matchup-specific situations, particularly against Washington’s left-handed bats, and use proven late-inning relievers to protect a narrow lead. If the Giants can get a solid six innings from their starter, create scoring chances through a combination of patience and opportunistic hitting, and keep the Nationals’ speed game in check, they will be well-positioned to close out the series with a home victory that reinforces their playoff push.