Washington at Atlanta

It took John Smoltz to end the Nats five-game winning streak, but unfortunately for the Braves he won't be on the mound tonight. The Braves held tough in the NL East race, but their recent 8-13 run appears to have them on the outside looking in. It has been an inconsistent offense that has led to their demise as the Braves have posted 54 games scoring three runs or less. Chuck James has been struggling, and the Braves have won just two of his last seven starts. James has a 7.78 ERA in his last four starts, and the Nats have been at their best all season against LHP. The Nats are 17 games under .500 against RHP, but two games over against LHP, and are second in all of baseball at +11.64 units for their backers vs. southpaws. Matt Chico allowed just one run on four hits over seven innings in his last start, and the Braves own the dubious distinction of losing more games to LHP than any other in baseball at 31, and are a money burning -8.92 units on the season. Big odds for a hot team with a favorable pitching matchup say dog in this one!