The second 8* play of our DOUBLE DOG DESTRUCTION is on the Atlanta Braves.

For the most part MLB handicapping comes down to the starting pitching and in this case, we feel that Jonathon Niese is getting much too much respect from the oddsmakers, swinging the value onto the underdog visitors. Pittsburgh has been scuffling of late, although it managed a 2-1 win at Chicago on Sunday, it's just 6-8 its last 14. Niese (3-2, 5.63 ERA) is coming off a decent start vs. the Reds on Monday, giving up three runs over 6 2/3's innings in the 3-2 setback. Niese though had been shelled for 15 runs over 15 1/3's innings in three outings previous. The Braves counter with Williams Perez (1-0, 3.54 ERA) who after being sent down to Triple-A for being unable to last five innings in his first three starts, returned to go eight strong frames vs. the Phillies on Wednesday, giving up just one solo home run in the dominant effort. Perez is quickly maturing and we think he'll outlast his struggling counterpart. Play on the BRAVES.

AAA Sports