The Chicago Cubs host the Boston Red Sox on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. This is the first game after the All-Star break for both teams. First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 PM ET in Chicago.
Chicago enters the second half with momentum, sitting just a half-game behind the Dodgers for the top spot in the National League. Boston is riding a 10-game win streak and has moved back into the American League playoff picture. The last time these teams met, Boston won 5-4 on April 28, 2024.
Cubs Preview – Rea Leads the Charge into the Second Half
The Cubs finished the first half strong, winning 8 of their last 12 games. They’ve played well at Wrigley Field with a 30-16 home record. A strong second half could push them to their best win total since 2016.
The offense is led by Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki, both with 25 home runs. Chicago has hit the team total over in 9 of their last 11 home games. The lineup has produced well at home and shown power across the board.
Colin Rea starts for the Cubs. He’s 7-3 with a 3.91 ERA and has won three starts in a row. Over his last 18 2/3 innings, he’s allowed only four earned runs. He held the Twins to one run over seven innings in his last outing and pitched well in his only career start against Boston in 2024.
Red Sox Preview – Giolito Looks to Keep the Streak Going
Boston was the hottest team entering the break with 10 straight wins. They swept the Nationals, Rockies, and Rays and now sit just a game behind the Yankees and three back of the Blue Jays in the AL East.
Lucas Giolito takes the ball with a 6-1 record and 3.36 ERA. He has been sharp since a rough outing on June 4, going 5-0 with a 0.70 ERA in six starts. He’s also racked up 37 strikeouts during that stretch. However, he has struggled in five career starts against the Cubs, with a 7.86 ERA in those games.
The Red Sox have been one of the top road teams in recent weeks. They’ve covered the run line in 11 of their last 13 games. They’ve also hit the first five innings run line in 25 of their last 35 away games and the F5 moneyline in 22 of their last 41 road games.
Betting Prediction
The Cubs are slight home favorites at -125, while the total sits at 8.5. Boston has covered the run line and moneyline in most of their recent games. But Chicago has been strong at home and sends out a pitcher in good form.
This game could start slow with two pitchers on winning streaks. But Rea’s consistency and the Cubs’ strong home scoring numbers give them an edge. Chicago’s bullpen is also healthier than Boston’s, which is missing multiple relievers. Final score prediction: Cubs 5, Red Sox 3.
Pick: Chicago Cubs -125
