The Atlanta Braves are just one game below .500, and they sit three games back of the Nationals in the NL East. Washington has won four straight, but it's offense has sputtered at times with Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman both out of the lineup. The Braves look good as an underdog here in Game 2, and I'll take Atlanta plus the runs.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Pitching - The Nats send Jordan Zimmerman to the hill, and he's lost three straight. Zimmerman (5-5, 3.75 ERA) gave up three runs on eight hits over seven frames in a loss to the Rays in his latest outing. He failed to get out of the fourth inning, giving up six runs on nine hits in a loss to the Brewers in his previous appearance. The Braves counter with Shelby Miller, who has owned the Nats in his career. He's 2-0 with an 0.78 ERA against the Nats in four previous meetings.

2. Batter vs. Pitcher - The Nats lineup has hit just .181 in previous meetings with Miller, and Bryce Harper is 1-for-8 versus the right-hander.

3. X-Factor - The Braves are 6-2 in Miller's last 8 road starts.

Selection: This is a play on the Atlanta Braves +1.5 (8*)