This is an 8* on ATLANTA

Atlanta is still comfortably ahead in the NL East and thus looking like a pretty safe bet to make the postseason. But they suffered an embarrassing 14-1 defeat Monday at the hands of Baltimore. Fortunately, that looks like it was a total anomaly as last night the Braves got back on track with a 4-1 win at Camden Yards. The Orioles have scored 1 run or less in five of the last six games, so don’t go getting fooled by that 14 run effort two days ago. As for the Braves offense, it really got a “shot in the arm” when manager Brian Snitker reshuffled the batting order by stacking it at the top. But all eyes will be on the pitching mound tonight as Cole Hamels makes his 2020 season debut. The starting rotation has been Atlanta’s weakness the last two weeks due to a multitude of injuries. Hamels should do fine against a struggling Baltimore lineup. As for Orioles starter Keegan Akin, he’s facing a lineup that has scored 70 runs its last 10 games. The Braves are 7-2 this season as road favorites of -125 to -175 and 33-12 L45 in that role. Play on ATLANTA

AAA