The Atlanta Braves entered the All Star break on the back of five consecutive losses, but tonight's opponent the Chicago Cubs have struggled over their recent games as well losing three of their last four. I like the Braves to end their skid tonight when the teams open the second half of the season with a three-game set at Turner Field.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Cubs hand the ball to Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.55 ERA) who's tossed 22 1/3 scoreless innings over his last three starts. Only one of those outings were on the road though were he has a 4.24 ERA compared to a 2.81 ERA home in Chicago and he's been better in the daylight than under the lights this season as well. The Braves will counter with Julio Teheran (6-4, 4.56 ERA) who's been rock solid home at Turner Field all season long going 5-0 behind a 2.04 ERA in eight home-starts on the year. He's also an undefeated 2-0 with a 3.81 ERA in four career starts versus Chicago.

2. Home Cookin' - The Braves have won six straight as a home underdog of +110 to +150 and they've won seven straight overall when hosting the Cubs.

3. X-Factor - Starlin Castro and Anthony Rizzo are just a combined 3-for-23 against Teheran in previous match-ups.

Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves (10*)