It is the hot-hitting Braves vs the Pirates in Pittsburgh today. Strider starts for Atlanta. After a poorer start vs the D-backs, he has bounced back with two fine outings; 6+innings each, 3 runs total given up and 19 K's. The Pirates are fifth worst in strikeouts in the last two weeks, so watch that K number today. Strider pitches better on the road this year. He will face Bido who is a rookie starter/long reliever for the Pirates. He has had very mixed results this season but has been ineffective in his 3 most recent starts, none of which has lasted more than 4 innings. The Braves have the edge in recent relief pitching (2.16 vs 4.98 L5 games).

Atlanta is still dominating the league hitting stats, sitting at an impressive .304/.950 over the last two weeks. The Pirates are just .224/.712 in the same period. The Pirates won their last series, but don't tend to have much success with Bido on the mound. Atlanta is 8-3 as a road favorite, and is very tough on right-handers. The Braves could be a little ornery today after losing a rare last series. Take Atlanta on the run line at -1 1/2.