Atlanta at Chicago

Chicago took game one of this series last night, but the matchup shifts today. Atlanta sends Chris Sale to the mound, and there's a meaningful gap between what he has done this season and what any undetermined opposing arm can realistically handle. He's 8-4 with a 2.23 ERA and 86 strikeouts, firmly in the conversation for the best starter in the National League, and the Braves have given him plenty to work with — 45-22 on the year, second in baseball in runs scored, a lineup that grinds down pitching staffs top to bottom. Davis Martin (8-2, 2.61 ERA) is on the hill for Chicago as the Sox look to maintain their six-game win streak. Martin saw his personal six-game win streak end during his last outing against the Twins on June 2, giving up 10 hits and six runs in 4.2 innings. Chicago has leaned on Martin for extended work this year, and the Sox bullpen has a bloated 5.65 ERA in 13 interleague games, so there is no margin for error. This is Sale's game to control. Side with Atlanta tonight.