Braves vs. Cubs prediction: Atlanta a good value play
The surging Cubs will host the NL East-leading Braves on Sunday.
The Braves look to have a playoff spot pretty much locked up, while the Cubbies are trying to catch the Brewers in the NL Central and still remain alive for a wild-card berth.
Charlie Morton (10-9, 3.62 ERA) will be on the mound for Atlanta. Morton hasn’t been in top form of late.
In his past three starts, he has allowed 11 runs over 16 ²/₃ innings and the Braves lost all three games. Before that recent slump though, Atlanta had won six of Morton’s prior seven starts.
Braves vs. Cubs pick
The Cubs will counter with Justin Steele (12-3, 2.65 ERA).
The lefty has been sensational this season, allowing three runs or fewer in 18 of 21 starts.
The Cubs have been a good bet with Steele on the mound, too.
Chicago is 8-1 in his past nine starts. He could have problems, however, against a Braves lineup that has crushed left-handed pitchers this season, with a batting average of .288 and slugging percentage of .529 headed into Saturday.
I see some value with Atlanta in this matchup.
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Morton is coming in on a down note, but overall he has pitched well this season.
And considering the way the Braves hit left-handers, it feels like a good spot to back the team with the best record in baseball to get the win on the road.
