Chicago at Atlanta

The Chicago Cubs are finally a competitive team again, but the problem is they reside in a division that includes both St. Louis and Pittsburgh, a pair of teams that have so far proven to be the best in the NL. The Cubs had hoped to get more than a 4-8 record out of Jon lester in the first half, but the offense has not produced as expected, and Lester has had too many iffy outings. That has moved the value onto them here as the Cubs scored 3 runs or less in each of his last three starts, and Lester did not win despite pitching two of those starts allowing 0 runs. The Braves were not expected to do much as they are rebuilding, but certainly are opening eyes against the better teams as they are now 7-0 in their last seven games as a home dog from +110 to +150. Atlanta has simply kicked it up a notch vs. a team with a winning road record as they are 36-16 in their last 52 here against them. Play is on Atlanta.