Atlanta at Pittsburgh

The Braves’ three-month ownership of the NL East lead is in jeopardy. After losing two of three to Florida, Philly has crept up on them. So, I expect no letdown here against the lowly Pirates who are 31-38 at home. When facing RHP, Pittsburgh manages just 3.4 runs per game. Against Tommy Hanson (3.27 road ERA), there is no reason to expect they will get much more than that here. Meanwhile, the Braves get to tee off against Brian Burres who has posted a 6.31 ERA this season. Backing up Burres is an excellent bullpen (3.07 ERA). That doesn't bode well for the Pirates who are 2-18 this season vs. teams with a bullpen that has an ERA below 3.33. Pittsburgh is 27-63 this season after a loss. I look for that to go to 27-64 today.