I expect the rebuilding Braves to start to tumble after losing Freddie Freeman, their best player. The Pirates are trending upward winning six of their last eight.

This combination along with the pitching matchup puts me squarely on Pittsburgh today.

Cole was outstanding two seasons ago. He's reverted back to that form this season. Cole has given up two earned runs or fewer in each of his last seven starts posting a 1.98 ERA during this span.

Pittsburgh is 5-0 lifetime against the Braves when Cole pitches.

I am a fan of Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz. I do believe in his potential. But he has a bad history versus the Pirates and hasn't solved Atlanta's new SunTrust Park with a 6.35 ERA in three home starts. Foltynewicz is 0-3 career-wise versus the Pirates with a 9.00 ERA.

Pittsburgh only scored one run on Sunday, but its offense has picked up. Prior to yesterday, the Pirates were averaging 5.6 runs in their last six games.