Thursday 5-17-18 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Washington Capitals Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
the tampa bay lightning fought their way back in the series with a vastly improved performance and the reward is a chance to even the eastern conference finals thursday night when they visit the washington capitals for game 4. all-stars victor hedman, steven stamkos and nikita kucherov combined for seven points as the lightning recorded a 4-2 victory tuesday in washington after dropping the first two games of the series at home.

"we believed all along," stamkos, who has scored a goal in five of the last six games, told reporters. "we knew we weren't good enough, and credit to them, they played really good hockey the first two games. we needed to make adjustments. we did that. we worked on it. the players went out there and did what we needed to do." tampa bay was much tighter defensively despite allowing 38 shots overall, and scored twice on the power play to improve to 5-for-12 with the man advantage in the series and extend their streak to eight games with at least one. evgeny kuznetsov finished with 12 shots on net and a goal for the capitals in game 3 while linemate alex ovechkin did not have a point despite accumulating nine shots, but coach barry trotz told the media his team was "off a little bit" and will be better thursday. "we believe in each other," ovechkin told reporters. "we know exactly what we have to do. nobody said it was going to be easy. they're not going to give us two wins in a row in our house. we just have to play more desperate and play smarter."
tv: 8 p.m. et, nbc sports network, cbc, sportsnet, tva
about the lightning: coach jon cooper shuffled his top three forward lines for game 3, putting ondrej palat with kucherov and stamkos, flipping j.t. miller to a unit with anthony cirelli and alex killorn while moving yanni gourde in with brayden point and tyler johnson. "we needed to put guys in positions to succeed," cooper told reporters. "we probably needed to spring a little life into our group." point has four goals in his last five games and four of his 14 playoff points in the past two contests while hedman owns a franchise-record eight-game point streak after scoring once and assisting on two tuesday.
about the capitals: center nicklas backstrom (13 points, 11 playoff games) skated again wednesday and could possibly return to the lineup thursday after missing the last four contests with a hand injury. kuznetsov boasts four goals and seven assists during a six-game point streak and owns 20 points overall - six in the series - while ovechkin scored twice and set up two others in the first two contests against tampa bay. goalie braden holtby owns an .899 save percentage in the series, but has stopped 57 of the 60 shots he has faced at even strength (.950) and leads the league with 10 playoffs wins entering wednesday.
overtime

1. washington c lars eller has posted two goals and three assists in the series, taking backstrom's spot on the second line.

2. stamkos needs one power-play goal to pass martin st. louis (10) for first on the franchise's all-time playoff list.
3. capitals rw brett connolly, who was drafted sixth overall by the lightning in 2010, boasts a point in each of the first three games of the series.

prediction: lightning 3, capitals 2

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by Rick Needham at Belmont Park

RACE #6 - BELMONT PARK - 4:09 PM EASTERN POST
8½ FURLONGS TURF THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD $35,000.00 CLAIMING $42,000.00 PURSE

#2 DEEPLY UNDERVALUED
#3 BRIANBAKESCOOKIES
#4 BASELINE
#6 ACOUSTIC

#2 DEEPLY UNDERVALUED has turned in "POWER RUN PERFORMANCES" in each of his last five starts, hitting the board in three, including a pair of "POWER RUN WINS" being embedded in this recent streak of racing consistency. Jockey Joel Rosario and Trainer Chad Brown send him "postward" this afternoon ... they've hit the board with 61% of more than 75 entries saddled as a team to date. #3 BRIANBAKESCOOKIES qualifies as a TrackMaster PLUS "PowerPony," and has turned in a trio of "POWER RUNS" in his respective last five outings, hitting the board in a pair, including a "POWER RUN WIN" in his 4th race back.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Belmont Park - Race #3 - Post: 2:37pm - Optional Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $85,000 Class Rating: 114

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#5 HOFFENHEIM (ML=5/2)
#4 FAVORABLE OUTCOME (ML=8/5)
#1 RECRUITING READY (ML=4/1)


HOFFENHEIM - This gelding is a gem of consistency, almost always in the top three. Have to give this gelding a chance. Ran a sharp effort last out within the last month or so. Cohen should be able to place this gelding right behind the pace. Ideally, Cohen will rate behind the leaders, then make a bold move on the turn. FAVORABLE OUTCOME - This horse likes to win at multiple tracks. The switch in venue today may be a wake up call. This equine wins a lot of dough per race around the track. Tops in this affair. RECRUITING READY - Changes tracks from last out at Keeneland to here. Multiple wins at multiple race tracks tell me this horse likes to switch it up, so that's a good sign. Last time around the track, finished sixth in the slop at Keeneland. Expect better today.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 CLASSY CLASS (ML=2/1),

CLASSY CLASS - In the last affair this vulnerable equine finished fifth. Doesn't look promising for his chances this time out.

Top HatGUEST COMMENTARY: The Brain - HOFFENHEIM - A tried and true angle. Take a sprinter in the third and fourth start after a layoff. That's the time when they peak.





STRAIGHT WAGERS:
Bet on #5 HOFFENHEIM to win if we can get at least 3/1 odds

EXACTA WAGERS:
Pass

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Box [1,4,5] Total Cost: $6

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Belterra Park
Belterra Park - Race 3

Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta / 10 cent Superfecta / 50 cent Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5)


Maiden Claiming $25,000 • 5 Furlongs • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 65 • Purse: $12,000 • Post: 2:22P
FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $25,000, FOR EACH $2,500 TO $20,000 2 LBS. (IF TRANSFERRED TO THE MAIN TRACK, THIS RACE WILL BE RUN AT FIVE FURLONGS.).
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Lone Front-runner. GEORGY GIRL is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * GEORGY GIRL: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. BOOMERANG BABY: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. NOW ROAR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating.
7
GEORGY GIRL
2/1

5/2
3
BOOMERANG BABY
6/1

9/2
1
NOW ROAR
3/1

6/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
7
GEORGY GIRL
7

2/1
Front-runner
76

57

86.3

54.0

50.0
3
BOOMERANG BABY
3

6/1
Alternator/Stalker
71

68

56.9

60.7

55.7
1
NOW ROAR
1

3/1
Trailer
65

65

40.8

61.6

56.6
2
ROCK ME
2

20/1
Alternator/Trailer
0

0

36.3

45.7

39.2
8
OUR D'ARTAGNAN
8

15/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

57.2

31.5

21.0
6
IRON AGE
6

20/1
Alternator/Non-contender
0

0

0.0

0.0

0.0








Unknown Running Style: RAIN DROP KID (9/2) [Jockey: Leon Sonny - Trainer: Hamilton Jr Anthony J], WHATA COUNTRY DAY (8/1) [Jockey: Prentice Jr Euclyn E - Trainer: Draper Otto].

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Camarero
Camarero - Race 4

Pick 4 (4-7) / Pick 3 (4-6) / Exacta / Trifecta / Daily Double 4-5


Claiming $8,000 • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Age 3 • CR: 59 • Purse: $6,500 • Post: 4:00P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS. WEIGHT, 120 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 24 ALLOWED 1 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 12 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 12 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $8,000.
Contenders

Race Analysis
P#
Horse
Morn
Line

Accept
Odds


Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * SKAGIT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse has the highest average E quibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. MR G R: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. DALLAS STAR: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. LET ME RUN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
3
SKAGIT
3/1

9/2
1
MR G R
5/2

6/1
5
DALLAS STAR
9/2

7/1
2
LET ME RUN
5/1

9/1




P#

Horse (In Running Style Order)

Post

Morn
Line

Running Style

Good
Class

Good
Speed

Early Figure

Finish Figure

Platinum
Figure
6
HARLAN RULER
6

2/1
Front-runner
48

44

59.2

35.5

25.5
2
LET ME RUN
2

5/1
Front-runner
57

49

58.8

39.0

30.0
7
WHIPPED CREAM
7

7/2
Front-runner
52

43

57.6

35.2

25.2
1
MR G R
1

5/2
Front-runner
55

59

54.0

32.4

29.4
5
DALLAS STAR
5

9/2
Stalker
55

50

48.7

43.5

35.5
3
SKAGIT
3

3/1
Alternator/Stalker
55

51

56.4

48.2

43.7
4
WONDERFUL PROOF
4

10/1
Alternator/Non-contender
54

48

27.0

18.5

7.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

Bar

Charles Town - Race #3 - Post: 7:57pm - Allowance - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $24,500 Class Rating: 105

Rating: Golden DollarGolden DollarGolden DollarGolden Dollar

#4 PERFECT CROSS (ML=8/1)
#3 WEEKEND LIBERTY (ML=7/2)


PERFECT CROSS - Really have to believe this mount is going to be very close at the finish. WEEKEND LIBERTY - TrackMaster keeps good stats on this type of information. This gelding always seems to race well after a layoff. When Bocachica and Runco team up on horses the win pct has been fantastic at 31. He has the highest earnings per race. Take a good look at this horse. Running over a familiar track, where he has won multiple times before, I have to put this horse at the top of my list of contenders in this race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 MEAN BEAN (ML=9/5), #6 YOU TELL ME (ML=4/1), #5 HURRICANE BEAR (ML=9/2),

MEAN BEAN - Hard to put your dough on the win end of any thoroughbred that finishes second and third as often as this entrant does. Hasn't been on the Charles Town oval in the last 3 weeks. Cause for some concern. YOU TELL ME - Difficult to wager on any thoroughbred in a short distance race at 4/1 when he hasn't shown any positive results in sprints in the last two months. HURRICANE BEAR - Difficult to support any racer in a sprint race if he hasn't finished in the money in a sprint in the last two months. Not probable that the speed rating he recorded on March 10th will be enough in this clash.



STRAIGHT WAGERS:
#4 PERFECT CROSS is going to be the play if we are getting 9/5 or better

EXACTA WAGERS:
Box [3,4]

TRIFECTA WAGERS:
Skip

SUPERFECTA WAGERS:
Pass

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Gulfstream Park
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 9 - SO - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $25000 Class Rating: 96

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $12,500 OR LESS OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF $16,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 118 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 17 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $16,000


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 FUNDY'S TIDE 9/2

# 1 CHATIMENT 2/1

# 8 BAREFOOT COVE 8/1

FUNDY'S TIDE is the most respectable bet in this race. Has posted sound Equibase Speed Figures in dirt route races in the past. Has solid front speed and will most likely fare well versus this field. The speed figure of 102 from his last race looks decent in here. CHATIMENT - He has earned formidable numbers under today's conditions and should fare well versus this group. BAREFOOT COVE - Has to be given a shot - I like the numbers from the last contest. This gelding looks very good in this race since Arboritanza has a sharp winning percentage with horses going this distance.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Remington Park
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 5 - Claiming - 300y on the Dirt. Purse: $15700 Class Rating: 74

QUARTER HORSE 300Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 124 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000.


RECOMMENDED CHOICES
The Walker Group Picks

# 7 LOTA PYC CHROME 4/1

# 6 CAPIS CHICKS A CAPO 5/2

# 1 WICKED BOY AW 6/1

My pick for this event is LOTA PYC CHROME. Must be given consideration for this event if only for the solid Equibase Speed Figure earned in the last race. CAPIS CHICKS A CAPO - Her 67 average has this filly with among the best Equibase Speed Figs in here. No strangers to the winner's circle, Willis and Brooks should have this filly breaking away from the field. WICKED BOY AW - Has run soundly when racing a short race. Overall the Equibase Speed Figures of this horse look strong in this outing.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Miami Marlins Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
miami marlins catcher j.t. realmuto has been a constant thorn in the side of the los angeles dodgers, as he has hit safely in all 21 career encounters in which he has participated. after collecting five hits in the first series this season, realmuto has four more in this set heading into thursday afternoon's finale at marlins park.

realmuto answered a three-hit performance in the series opener with a go-ahead homer in the sixth inning of wednesday's 6-5 triumph. the 27-year-old has hit safely in all but four of his 24 games this season and is 4-for-9 with two homers in his career versus thursday starter kenta maeda. while miami (16-26) has won the first two contests of this series after dropping six of its previous seven, los angeles (16-26) is mired in a six-game losing skid and has just one win in its last 10. yasmani grandal homered for the second time in three outings to improve to 4-for-10 with three rbis in that stretch after going 3-for-27 in his previous 10 games.
tv: 12:10 p.m. et, mlb network, sportsnet la, fs florida (miami)
pitching matchup: dodgers rh kenta maeda (2-3, 4.75 era) vs. marlins lh caleb smith (2-4, 3.63)

maeda fell to 0-2 in his last four outings on friday after allowing a season high-tying five runs on nine hits in 4 2/3 innings of a 6-2 setback versus cincinnati. the 30-year-old japan native was taken deep for the fourth straight outing after keeping the ball in the park in each of his previous four. maeda owns an 0-2 career mark versus the marlins, but settled for a no-decision on april 24 despite permitting just one run on four hits while striking out seven in six innings.
smith answered a pair of stellar scoreless outings with another fine performance on thursday, albeit in a hard-luck loss versus atlanta after yielding just two runs in 5 1/3 innings. the 26-year-old has kept the ball in the park in each of his last three trips to the mound after surrendering a homer in four of his previous five contests. smith will make his 18th career appearance on thursday and is meeting the dodgers for the first time.
walk-offs

1. los angeles 1b cody bellinger has two homers, two rbis and four runs scored during his five-game hitting streak.

2. miami 3b brian anderson, who is riding a five-game hitting streak, is 4-for-8 with two rbis and two runs scored in the series.

3. dodgers 2b chase utley is 1-for-12 in his last three games and 5-for-28 in his last nine.

prediction: dodgers 5, marlins 4

[Can'tPickAWinner]

San Diego Padres vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
riding a hot streak that has propelled them into first place in the national league central, the pittsburgh pirates will resume their nine-game homestand with the first of four against the san diego padres on thursday night. the pirates completed a two-game sweep of the chicago white sox on wednesday for their seventh victory in the last eight games.

the pirates improved to a major league-best 10-2 in interleague play despite missing center fielder starling marte and catcher francisco cervelli, who are listed as day-to-day after they were injured in tuesday's game. sean rodriguez had an rbi triple after replacing marte on tuesday and delivered a two-run double the following day as pittsburgh boosted its record at pnc park to 14-6. the padres opened their nine-game homestand by dropping four of five but bounced back to win three of the next four, culminating with a 4-0 victory over colorado on wednesday. sitting in last place in the nl west despite playing a major league-high 29 games at home, san diego kicks off a 10-game road trip with its visit to pittsburgh.
tv: 7:05 p.m. et, fs san diego, at&t sportsnet-pittsburgh
pitching matchup: padres lh eric lauer (1-2, 8.27 era) vs. pirates rh chad kuhl (4-2, 4.17)

lauer followed the best start of his brief major league career with his worst, getting rocked for six runs and serving up four homers in only 2 1/3 innings in a home loss to st. louis last time out. the 2016 first-round draft pick earned his first win in his previous start by blanking the los angeles dodgers on seven hits over six innings. opponents are batting a robust .365 against lauer.
kuhl registered his fourth quality start in his last five outings but had to settle for a no-decision against san francisco after giving up three runs and six hits over six innings on saturday. one issue for the 25-year-old is the long ball -- he is 3-1 over his last five starts but has yielded eight homers in that span. kuhl has held freddy galvis and wil myers to a combined 0-for-11.
walk-offs

1. pirates 1b josh bell drove in the tiebreaking run with a pinch-hit single wednesday, his ninth rbi in eight games.

2. padres of travis jankowski has multiple hits in five of his last nine games.

3. pirates closer felipe vazquez has converted all eight save opportunities.

prediction: pirates 6, padres 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Oakland Athletics vs. Toronto Blue Jays Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
the toronto blue jays hope to build off an offensive explosion last time out when they open a four-game series against the visiting oakland athletics on thursday night. the blue jays recorded 15 hits, including seven for extra bases, in a 12-1 victory at the new york mets on wednesday afternoon to snap a three-game losing streak and sneak back over the .500 mark (22-21).

justin smoak (six rbis in his last four outings) and teoscar hernandez (7-for-20 during his five-game hitting streak) each went deep while richard urena launched a three-run blast for toronto on wednesday after it managed seven runs the previous three contests. aaron sanchez will try to follow up a strong outing from j.a. happ with another when he takes the mound for the blue jays in the series opener and oakland counters with fellow right-hander andrew triggs, who has 42 strikeouts over 39 innings this year. the athletics started a difficult nine-game stretch by losing five of six against houston and the new york yankees before winning two of three at boston, but dropped the finale 6-4 on wednesday. marcus semien homered in that contest and is 10-for-29 with six rbis during a six-game hitting streak for oakland.
tv: 7:07 p.m. et, mlb network, sportsnet (toronto)
pitching matchup: athletics rh andrew triggs (3-1, 5.31 era) vs. blue jays rh aaron sanchez (2-3, 4.08)

triggs has alternated strong and rough starts over his past six appearances after getting touched up for six runs over 4 1/3 innings at the yankees last saturday in a no-decision. the 29-year-old usc product owns two quality starts in his last four trips to the mound and limited opponents to two or fewer runs in five of eight overall. josh donaldson is 1-for-1 versus triggs, who allowed two hits and one unearned run in one inning during his only career outing against toronto.
sanchez threw just 60 of 96 pitches for strikes last time out against boston, permitting three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks over five innings in a no-decision. the 25-year-old california native had a stretch of four straight quality starts before giving up 11 runs (eight earned) over 14 2/3 innings across his last three appearances. sanchez, who is 0-1 in four starts at home in 2018, yielded six runs over 6 1/3 innings in three career appearances versus oakland.
walk-offs

1. the athletics will place c bruce maxwell (legal issues) on the restricted list for the toronto series and recall c josh phegley.

2. the blue jays won five of the seven meetings in the series last season, including all four in toronto.
3. toronto recalled rhp danny barnes and optioned rhp deck mcguire to triple-a buffalo on wednesday.

prediction: blue jays 5, athletics 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Baltimore Orioles vs. Boston Red Sox Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
j.d. martinez has been everything the boston red sox hoped for when they signed him to a $110 million deal this offseason, and the slugger will try to stay hot when he leads his team into the opener of a four-game series with the visiting baltimore orioles on thursday. martinez slugged a two-run homer and scored twice in wednesday's 6-4 victory over the oakland athletics, giving him seven long balls in the past 14 contests.

the triumph allowed the red sox to avoid being swept for the first time this year while improving to 13-1 in series finales. the orioles averaged 8.5 runs during a 5-1 surge before they were limited to four hits in a 4-1 loss to philadelphia at home wednesday afternoon. they'll give the ball to red-hot right-hander kevin gausman in the series opener opposite red sox lefty david price. boston carries a six-game winning streak over baltimore into thursday's contest, which is the makeup for an april 16 rainout.
tv: 7:10 p.m. et, mlb network, masn (baltimore), nesn (boston)
pitching matchup: orioles rh kevin gausman (3-2, 3.18 era) vs. red sox lh david price (3-4, 4.89)

since allowing six runs in four innings of his season debut, gausman is 3-1 with a 2.30 era over a span of seven starts. he followed up nine scoreless frames at oakland two turns ago with 7 1/3 innings of two-run ball in a win over tampa bay on friday. mookie betts is 12-for-29 with three home runs against the former first-round pick, who is 4-6 with a 3.83 era in his career versus boston.

price had eight days off between his last two starts, during which he was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, and then won at toronto on saturday with 5 1/3 solid innings. the former cy young award winner gave up 10 runs (nine earned) in 6 2/3 innings over his last two outings at fenway park. danny valencia is 13-for-22 with five walks against price, who dominated the orioles through seven innings in their lone encounter last year and has a 2.81 era in 25 career meetings.
walk-offs

1. boston won the first three meetings in 2018 by a combined score of 20-7.
2. martinez has reached safely in a career-high 21 straight games.

3. baltimore cf adam jones homered for team's only run in wednesday's loss while extending his hitting streak to 11 games.

prediction: red sox 4, orioles 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Philadelphia Phillies vs. St. Louis Cardinals Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

16th May 2018 by Gracenote
the philadelphia phillies have won six of their last seven contests to move eight games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2011 season. the phillies (24-16) bid to continue their good fortune on thursday when they open a four-game series at the st. louis cardinals (23-17), who have won 13 of the last 18 meetings between the teams in the gateway city.

philadelphia's cesar hernandez homered and tripled in wednesday's 4-1 victory over baltimore, marking the third time he's gone deep in his last 11 games after belting two homers in his first 29. the 27-year-old venezuelan also scored twice to raise his runs total to seven in his last seven contests entering thursday's tilt versus luke weaver, against whom he is 3-for-3 with a homer and a double. st. louis' tommy pham struggled during the team's three-game losing skid before homering among his two hits in wednesday's 7-5 win over minnesota. the blast was the 30-year-old's third of the six-game road trip, during which he had seven hits with five runs scored in the three wins while going 0-for-12 with seven strikeouts in the three losses.

tv: 7:15 p.m. et, nbcs philadelphia, fs midwest (st. louis)
pitching matchup: phillies rh vince velasquez (3-4, 5.05 era) vs. cardinals rh luke weaver (3-2, 4.91)
velasquez dropped a bombshell earlier this week by announcing that he underwent surgery which saw doctors remove a rib stemming from thoracic outlet syndrome. the 25-year-old overcame a sluggish start last thursday in which he surrendered two homers for the third time in four outings before retiring 15 of the final 17 batters he faced and finishing with 12 strikeouts in a 6-3 triumph over san francisco. marcell ozuna has homered among his three hits in 12 at-bats versus velasquez, who was blasted for five runs on seven hits - including two homers - in his lone appearance against st. louis in august 2016.
weaver likely needs a big performance on thursday if he wishes to remain in the starting rotation with the expected return of alex reyes, who is working his way pack from tommy john surgery. the 24-year-old answered a trio of four-run performances on friday by scattering four hits over five scoreless frames in a 9-5 victory at san diego. maikel franco is 2-for-3 versus weaver, who lost his lone career appearance against philadelphia in 2016 after surrendering three runs on nine hits in five innings.
walk-offs

1. st. louis 1b matt carpenter collected three hits - including two doubles - on wednesday after going 0-for-17 with eight strikeouts in his previous six outings.
2. philadelphia cf odubel herrera has reached base in a career-best 42 games to move within 14 of tying mike schmidt's franchise record.

3. cardinals ss paul dejong is 10-for-30 with one homer, five rbis and three runs scored in his last eight games.

prediction: cardinals 5, phillies 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Chicago Cubs vs. Atlanta Braves Preview and Predictions 05-17-2018

17th May 2018 by Gracenote
The Chicago Cubs arrived as contenders ahead of schedule in 2015 thanks to a flood of talented prospects. The Atlanta Braves are following the same blueprint, and their brigade will try to claim a series victory over the visiting Cubs on Thursday.

Rookies Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna Jr. - the two youngest position players in the majors - led a three-run outburst in the eighth inning Wednesday to give the Braves a 4-1 win and even the series. Acuna homered in the eighth to give Atlanta the lead in the series opener a night earlier, but the Cubs responded with two runs in the ninth to steal a win. The Braves have won seven of their last nine contests to maintain a one-game lead over Philadelphia in the National League East. After breaking out at the plate during a five-game winning streak last week, the Cubs have scored three or fewer runs in three of their past four games.
TV: 7:35 p.m. ET, MLB Network, WGN (Chicago), FS Southeast (Atlanta)

PITCHING MATCHUP: Cubs LH Jon Lester (3-1, 2.66 ERA) vs. Braves RH Mike Soroka (1-1, 3.68)
Lester has allowed two or fewer runs in five of his eight starts, but he's had difficulty getting past the sixth inning. The 34-year-old has walked at least three batters in five of his outings. Lester is 6-2 with a 2.47 ERA in nine meetings with the Braves, including eight quality starts.

Soroka's last outing was hampered by a two-out error in the fifth inning that led to three unearned runs and ended his night early. The 20-year-old has shown electric stuff, compiling 15 strikeouts and just four walks in 14 2/3 innings across his first three big-league starts. He's looking for his first win at home after allowing four runs in four innings of a loss to San Francisco in his SunTrust Park debut on May 6.
WALK-OFFS

1. Albies' 30 extra-base hits are the most by a Braves player through the team's first 42 games of the season since Hank Aaron had 32 in 1959.

2. Cubs C Willson Contreras is 12-for-24 with nine extra-base hits over his past seven games.
3. Atlanta CF Ender Inciarte is 1-for-16 versus Lester.

PREDICTION: Cubs 3, Braves 2