Atlanta Braves (10*)
(MLB) Miami vs. Atlanta, 09/01/2015 3:10 PM, Score: 7 - 1
Money Line: -125.00 Atlanta (Home)
Result: Loss
The Atlanta Braves have now lost six straight at home heading into tonight's game versus Miami, but I like their chances of ending that slump tonight against a Miami team that owns one of the worst road records in baseball. Here are my keys to the game: 1. Pitching - The Braves hand the ball to Manny Baneulos who returns to the rotation after missing over a month with a sore elbow. The rookie left-hander showed flashes of brilliance in his first four major league starts, going 1-2 with a 2.49 ERA. The Fish will counter with a rookie of their own in Justin Nicolino, and the 23 year old is coming off back-to-back losses. 2, Home Cookin' - Despite their recent home losing streak, the Braves still have a respectable 33-30 home record. The Marlins on the other hand are brutal on the road, and they've lost eight of their last nine road games versus a left-handed starter. 3. X-Factor - The Braves are expecting 30 year old Cuban Hector Olivera to make his debut tonight. The third baseman made headlines in the off-season signing a 62 million dollar deal with the Dodgers. He was acquired in the Alex Wood trade. Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves (10*)