The Coach's MLB Gourmet *HOME COOKIN'*
(MLB) Atlanta vs. San Diego, 08/19/2015 11:40 AM, Score: 2 - 3
Money Line: -158.00 San Diego (Home)
Result: Win
The Atlanta Braves have won just two of their last eight games and have dropped each of the first two of this three-game series at Petco Park, a stadium where they've struggled for quite some time. The San Diego Padres meanwhile have won six of their last eight and I like their chances of completing the sweep of the Braves today.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Braves hand the ball to Julio Teheran (8-6, 4.44 ERA) who's a solid 6-1 with a 2.44 ERA home at Turner Field but 2-5 with a 6.75 ERA in 12 road-starts on the season. He conceded four runs (three earned) on four hits and three walks in seven innings of a 6-4 home-loss to San Diego back in June and he's 1-2 with a 5.26 ERA in four career starts against the Friars who will counter with Tyson Ross (8-9, 3.40 ERA). Ross is 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA in two starts against the Braves and is looking good to record his first win against the club here as the Braves have managed only 18 runs scored over their last six games.

2. Situational - The Braves have lost six straight as an underdog in the span of +110 to +150 while the Padres are 5-1 in their last six games as a favorite. The Braves have won just one of the last 11 meetings at Petco Park.

3. X-Factor - Melvin Upton Jr. spent the last two seasons at Atlanta before joining San Diego during the off-season. He showed no mercy to his old club last night when he went 3-for-4 and reaching the seats not only once, but twice.

Selection: This is a play on the San Diego Padres (8*)