Sports betting:

Vegas Play of the Day: Yankees vs. Braves

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Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press via AP

New York Yankees’ Giancarlo Stanton rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run during first-inning baseball game action against the Toronto Blue Jays in Toronto on Thursday, March 29, 2018.

Tue, Jul 3, 2018 (2:06 p.m.)

The fifth season of the annual Play of the Day betting competition between the Sun’s sports staff is now under way, effective July 1.

Bankrolls start at $10,000 for each of the four participants, with the objective to increase it as much as possible over the next year. The minimum daily wager is $300, with a $200 penalty assessed for failing to place a bet on an assigned day.

Past winners are Case Keefer in 2017-2018, Ray Brewer in 2016-2017 and 2015-2016, and Taylor Bern in 2014-2015.

Atlanta Braves plus-152 at New York Yankees: $500 to win $760

The Yankees have one of the most feared lineups in the game, mostly due to the fact that they can mash the ball out of the park from any spot in the order. New York ranks first (by a huge margin) in home runs per game at 1.68, and the Yanks are also No. 1 in isolated power (.210), so one mistake from an opposing pitcher can end up over the fence in a hurry.

Braves' starting pitcher Sean Newcomb may not make that mistake. The young lefty is having a breakout year (8-2, 2.71 ERA, 90 strikeouts in 93.0 innings), and while his walk numbers are a little worrisome, he can also pile up strikeouts, and he keeps the ball in the park relatively well (just four homers allowed in his last 65.1 innings). Newcomb is the type of pitcher who can navigate the dangerous NYY lineup two or three times with minimal damage and give his team a chance to win. That's enough for me to bet on the underdog.

Current Standings: Keefer (1-0, $10,675), Granger (0-0, $10,000), Grimala (0-0, $10,000), Brewer (0-0, $10,000)

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