The set-up: The Braves won the season series 4-2, going 2-1 at home and on the road. This is a matchup and a situation which favors the home side and I expect it to step up and deliver the goods. The visitors hand the ball to Miles Mikolas, whole the home side goes with Dallas Keuchel.

The pitchers: Mikolas (9-14, 4.16 ERA) is 1-2 with a 2.61 ERA in three career starts vs. Atlanta, but he's just 1-1 with a 4.38 ERA over his last three starts.

Keuchel (8-8, 3.75) is 0-2 with a 10.03 ERA in two starts vs. the Cardinals and he struggled a bit down the stretch. Overall I'd call these volatile starters a "wash," but will give Keuchel the slight nod because of the home field advantage.

The pick: St. Louis is a poor 1-4 in its last five vs. teams with winning records, while Atlanta is 7-2 in its last nine at home vs. teams with a winning home record. Atlanta was dominant at home this year and I believe they come out and make a statement to open this series. Lay the short price.

10* GAME OF THE WEEK on the Atlanta Braves.