New York Mets - Atlanta Braves

The Mets continue their Playoff hunt when they travel to Atlanta for a 3-three-game series with the Braves, starting on Friday.  New York is in a tie with St. Louis Cardinals for the second NL Wild Card spot. New York will send the rookie Robert Gsellman (2-1, 2.87 ERA) to the mound for his third career start to match up against Julio Teheran (Atlanta Braves starting pitcher).  Gsellman has done a great job for a the Mets' rotation, with Steven Matz, Matt Harvey and Jonathon Niese all on the disabled list, and Jacob deGrom dealing with forearm soreness. Gsellman has pitched 6-six innings in both of his previous starts, and he has yet to give up a homer. In his past start, he walked just 3-three batters, but limited the damage, holding the Washington Nationals just to 1-one run. Atlanta's pitcher Teheran has proven to be a tough task for the Mets to solve, as he's 6-3 with a 2.40 ERA in 13 career appearances (12 starts) vs. them. He's been particularly dominant this season, spinning 17 scoreless innings over 2-two starts, including a one-hit shutout on June 19 at Citi Field; thus he is the clear favorite to win the game tonight.  However, the Mets are playing very well as of late, winning 8 of their last 10 games.  With that, I am picking the underdog New York Mets with the spread of (+2.5) runs.

UPDATE September 08, 2016 - FINAL Result:  New York Mets  6-4  Atlanta Braves.  The New York Mets took full in control of their own destiny in the National League Wild Card race by completing a four-run rally in the eighth inning Friday and stealing their 6-sixth straight win - a 6-4 victory over the Braves at Turner Field.  The victory helped the Mets retain a half-game lead over St. Louis Cardinals [defeated the Brewers] for the NL's second Wild Card spot. New York remains a half-game behind the Giants [who won in Arizona] for the NL's top Wild Card spot.