The 1st place Braves and Rays don't face each other very often. So what have these two teams done lately? Atlanta is 9-1, and putting up very impressive numbers with the bats. The 0-5 Rays are in a bit of a slump, managing just 6 runs in their last three games. Comparing runs for and against, the Braves are a formidable 7.0/2.3 L7 while Tampa Bay is barely breaking even at 5.1/4.9. Charlie Mortlon starts for Atlanta. He has 3 wins in his last 3 starts, shutting out the Marlins last time out. He has been better on the road this season, and while he won't give you much more than 5 innings, he has been a consistent presence in the rotation this year. Rays' right hander Glasnow (4.50 ERA, 2-2) has pitched relatively well since his return, regularly pitching into the 6th. He has a ton of strikeouts (23 L2 games) but does give up the long ball. The Rays have been especially dependent on their bullpen of late, averaging more than 4 innings of use a game but the Braves pen is better rested and for effective lately.

The Braves are a formidable team on the road, and an unlikely spot for the slumping Rays to turn things around. Take Atlanta to steal this game on the road.