San Francisco Giants call on Matt Cain to stop the bleeding

WASHINGTON NATIONALS 9, GIANTS 4: BOX SCORE

Last week, Matt Cain wasn’t able to keep a good pitching streak going for the Giants.

Now, the Giants need Cain to stop the bleeding in Washington, D.C.

Cain takes the mound Thursday in the season finale against the Nationals after Washington beat the Giants 9-3 and 9-4.

It’s the first time since 2006 that two Giants starters gave up seven earned runs in consecutive starts.

On Sept. 21, 2006, Matt Morris gave up nine earned runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings during a 9-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin.

The next day, Jonathan Sanchez was tagged for eight runs on eight hits in two-plus innings against the Brewers. The Giants lost that day 13-12, but Sanchez did not suffer the defeat, amazingly enough.

Last week, Cain followed no-run efforts from Tim Lincecum and Madison Bumgarner by giving up a run on the first pitch against the Reds.

Now Cainer needs to follow seven earned-run efforts by shutting down the Nats.

Cain faces Ross Detwiler at 4 p.m. The game will be carried on MLB Network.