This is an 8* play on the Atlanta Braves.

With what I believe to be the superior starter backing them this afternoon, I look for the visitors to build off yesterday's big performance at the plate and to find a way to get the job done at the end of the night. Atlanta sends Julio Teheran (8-6, 2.57 ERA) to the hill; Teheran is coming off his worst start of the year in which he gave up five runs and a season-worst 11 hits over just 3 1/3's innings of work in his team's 8-3 setback to the Mets on Tuesday. It tied the shortest outing of his career. No time to hit the panic button though in my opinion, Teheran has been as solid as you could possibly ask for over the first half, those types of anomalous starts happen from time to time to every pitcher. Note that when Teheran faced Chicago on May 9th he would allow just one run while striking out nine over eight innings in his team's 3-2 victory. After dropping five of its previous six, Atlanta exploded for the 11-6 win yesterday which does not bode well for Cubs' starter Travis Wood (7-7, 4.64 ERA) who is a poor 0-2 with a ballooned 5.31 ERA over his last four starts. Wood has struggled with control issues all season long, he's walked 38 batters since May 7th, tied for second-most in the National League. Look for the BRAVES to take advantage here as they close the first half strong and secure the series victory.

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