Nationals, Giants release lineups for NLDS Game 1

The NLDS kicks off on Friday afternoon with Game 1 between the visiting San Francisco Giants and the Washington Nationals. Jake Peavy, acquired before the trade deadline to replace the injured Matt Cain, gets the nod for San Fran, while Stephen Strasburg takes the hill for the Nats.

This is your standard Giants lineup with no surprises, but unlike in the Wild Card round against the Pirates, when Edinson Volquez was their opponent, they have a serious challenge ahead of them in Strasburg.The right-hander threw 215 innings, crossing the 200-inning mark for the first time in his career, took all 34 turns in the rotation, and struck out 5.6 times as many batters as he walked. The Giants offense is better than it looks thanks to their pitcher-friendly home park, but Strasburg is a difficult match-up for anyone.

As for the Nationals, Bryce Harper hitting low in the lineup is just something everyone has had to get used to with Matt Williams in charge. At least the combination of Anthony Rendon, Jayson Werth, and Adam LaRoche has been devastating to to opposing pitchers this year, and will test Peavy on Friday.