Atlanta at St. Louis

A tough road trip for Atlanta continues, a team ranked 23rd in runs scored. The Braves are on a 3-8 run, 0-5 on the road, plus 2-7 away against a left-handed starter. The Braves have split their first six games of a difficult 12-game stretch to start the second half. Atlanta starter Manny Banuelos has been hurt by the middle of opposing lineups, allowing a .346 average, and faces St. Louis, which owns baseball's best record. The Cardinals are 49-15 in their last 64 home games. Lefty Tim Cooney (3.33 ERA) has given the Cardinals a boost, posting a 2.45 ERA in four July starts with 21 strikeouts in 22 innings. He has allowed two earned runs or less in three of his four starts this month. The home team holds all the cards, and the Braves are 3-7 in the last 10 meetings, including 2-5 at St. Louis. Play St. Louis.