The first 8* play in our DOUBLE DOG DESTRUCTION pass is the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta has now lost seven straight in this series, but with two prominent Cubs on the DL and another ailing, this is a great opportunity to pull the trigger on the visitors to score an upset. More than anything though, we think this pitching matchup favors the Braves. The home side sends John Lackey (3-1, 4.97 ERA) to the hill, most recently he was rocked for six runs and seven hits over 5 2/3's innings in a 13-5 loss at Cincinnati last Saturday. It was the second time in four starts that the veteran has given up that many runs. The visitors counter with Julio Teheran (0-3, 4.60), who has gotten progressively better with each start this season. Over his last two outings he's given up a combined three runs over 12 1/3's innings of work, most recenlty a 1-0 setback to Boston on Monday: "That was the first time that I've felt like that this year," Teheran said. "I felt like I had everything working." Note that Teheran is 2-0 with a 3.82 ERA in five starts against Chicago. We like Teheran to outduel his counterpart and for Atlanta to finally get off the schneid.

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