We'll go with the Atlanta Braves to bounce back tonight and take Game 2 of their NL Division Series against the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs 4-2 victory in Game 1 was largely due to a dominant performance with both bat and ball by Kerry Wood. He allowed only two hits and drove in the go-ahead runs with a sixth inning double.
The Braves have six players with 20+ homers and 100+ RBI during the regular season and following last night's disappointment will be very focused on leveling the series tonight. The Cubs on the other hand may have a let-down following the Game 1 victory and subconsciously would be content to head back to Wrigley Field with the series tied.
Carlos Zambrano (13-11, 3.11 ERA) looks to keep things going for the Cubs. He comes off two poor starts against poor teams, allowing a total of 11 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings against the Reds and Pirates. Zambrano is just 2-3 through his last eight starts and we're confident that the potent Braves offense will be able to get something going against him tonight. In his only start against Atlanta this season he was shelled for seven earned runs in just five innings.
2000 NLCS MVP Mike Hampton (14-8, 3.84 ERA) counters for the Braves. The rejuvenated left-hander ranks sixth in the NL in winning percentage (.636) and has allowed two or less earned runs in eight of his last ten starts. In fact he posted a 2.49 ERA in his final 11 regular-season starts this year.
We'll take the Braves at home to get the much-needed win tonight.
Recommended Play: Braves -150
Good luck
Mike Thomas
Champion Plays
The Cubs 4-2 victory in Game 1 was largely due to a dominant performance with both bat and ball by Kerry Wood. He allowed only two hits and drove in the go-ahead runs with a sixth inning double.
The Braves have six players with 20+ homers and 100+ RBI during the regular season and following last night's disappointment will be very focused on leveling the series tonight. The Cubs on the other hand may have a let-down following the Game 1 victory and subconsciously would be content to head back to Wrigley Field with the series tied.
Carlos Zambrano (13-11, 3.11 ERA) looks to keep things going for the Cubs. He comes off two poor starts against poor teams, allowing a total of 11 earned runs in 9 2/3 innings against the Reds and Pirates. Zambrano is just 2-3 through his last eight starts and we're confident that the potent Braves offense will be able to get something going against him tonight. In his only start against Atlanta this season he was shelled for seven earned runs in just five innings.
2000 NLCS MVP Mike Hampton (14-8, 3.84 ERA) counters for the Braves. The rejuvenated left-hander ranks sixth in the NL in winning percentage (.636) and has allowed two or less earned runs in eight of his last ten starts. In fact he posted a 2.49 ERA in his final 11 regular-season starts this year.
We'll take the Braves at home to get the much-needed win tonight.
Recommended Play: Braves -150
Good luck
Mike Thomas
Champion Plays
