Chicago Cubs at Boston Red Sox odds, picks and predictions
The Chicago Cubs (17-9) and Boston Red Sox (14-13) play the middle contest a 3-game interleague series Saturday at Fenway Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Cubs vs. Red Sox odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs lead 1-0; Chicago won the series opener 7-1 behind LHP Shota Imanaga Friday as the Over (7.5) cashed
The Cubs have won 4 games in a row, all against AL teams, and Chicago has picked up 6 consecutive interleague victories dating back to April 13. The Over was a rarity Friday, as the Under is 5-2 in the past 7 games for the Cubbies while going 6-1 in the past 7 against AL clubs.
The Red Sox have dropped 3 of the past 4 games. The Over has hit in the past 2 outings, and the total has gone high at a slight 4-3-1 clip in the past 8 games for Boston.
Cubs at Red Sox projected starters
RHP Ben Brown vs. RHP Josh Winckowski
Brown (0-0, 3.72 ERA) makes his 3rd start and 7th appearance. He has a 1.03 WHIP, 2.8 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 in 19 1/3 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 6 IP, 1 ER, 1 H, 2 BB, 4 K in 3-2 road win in 11 innings vs. Arizona Diamondbacks April 15
- 2024 road splits: 0-0, 5.11 ERA, 9 H, 5 BB, 10 K in 12 1/3 IP in 2 starts and 1 relief appearance
Winckowski (1-1, 4.20 ERA) makes his 2nd start and 9th appearance. He has a 1.80 WHIP, 4.8 BB/9 and 10.8 K/9 in 15 innings.
- Last start: No-decision, 3 1/3 IP, 1 ER, 3 H, 0 BB, 1 K in 6-1 road win vs. Pittsburgh Pirates Sunday
- 2024 home splits: 0-1, 8.10 ERA, 13 H, 5 BB, 8 K in 6 2/3 IP in 4 relief appearances
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Cubs at Red Sox odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:10 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Cubs -120 (bet $120 to win $100) | Red Sox +100 (bet $100 to win $100)
- Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Red Sox +1.5 (-165)
- Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)
Cubs at Red Sox picks and predictions
Prediction
Cubs 5, Red Sox 4
Moneyline
The CUBS (-120) are a decent play as slight favorites in this middle contest.
There is plenty of concern here, as Boston is just 3-8 this season at Fenway Park. The Cubs (-115) are on a serious roll, too, and Chicago has won 5 in a row against AL teams, while posting a plus-32 run differential.
Run line/Against the spread
The Red Sox +1.5 (-165) will cost you plenty if you require a little bit of insurance and cannot fathom the idea of playing Boston straight up.
In Boston's past 3 losses across the past 4 games, it has lost by 2 or more runs, with an average margin of defeat of 3.7 runs per game.
PASS.
Over/Under
OVER 8.5 (-120) is a worth a look in this battle between Brown and Winckowski. It's not likely to be a pitcher's duel, and neither will go very deep into the game. The bullpens will be thrust into action early. Chicago's bullpen has a 3.62 ERA, while Boston's pen has managed a 3.55 ERA.
The Over has hit in the past 2 games for the Red Sox, allowing 13 runs in the outings.
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