The set-up: The Braves have a big opportunity to put the Phillies out of contention this weekend and I believe they build off last night's victory. This is a bigger mismatch on the mound in my opinion than what this spread would suggest. The visitors go with Max Fried, while the home side counters with Jason Vargas.

The pitchers: Fried (16-4, 3.86 ERA) enters off a gem, going seven scoreless and allowing only one hit vs. the Nationals. Fried has posted at least eight K's in four of his past six starts and owns a 2.70 ERA in that span.

Vargas (6-7, 4.27) is 2-2 with a 5.40 ERA in seven career games vs. the Braves.

The pick: The Phillies' offense was stymied in last night's loss, managing just five hits. Expect that line-up to have even more difficulties vs. the red hot Fried. Lay the price.

8* play on Braves