🧢 Cubs vs. Red Sox: Clash of Momentum as Boston Eyes 11th Straight Win at Wrigley Field

CHICAGO, IL — July 18, 2025
The Boston Red Sox are riding a red-hot 10-game winning streak and will attempt to keep that momentum alive as they visit the Chicago Cubs this Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. It’s a much-anticipated interleague face-off that pits two high-performing teams against each other in the second half of the MLB season.

🔥 Red Sox Chasing 11th Straight Victory

Currently third in the American League East with a 53-45 record, the Red Sox have caught fire since the All-Star break. Despite a challenging 21-25 record on the road this season, Boston has been relentless in recent matchups. Their offense has been sharp, their pitching rotation solid, and their chemistry is translating into wins.

Boston’s expected starter, Lucas Giolito (6-1, 3.36 ERA), has been especially consistent. He’s coming off a commanding performance against the Colorado Rockies, where he gave up no runs across six innings. With a current streak of six straight wins, Giolito’s form could be the edge the Red Sox need to overcome the Cubs’ home-field advantage.

💪 Cubs Poised to Defend Their Turf

The Cubs, leaders in the National League Central at 57-39, have built a stronghold at home with a 30-16 record at Wrigley Field. Coming off a pair of wins heading into Friday’s game, Chicago is no stranger to the pressure of big matchups.

Starting for Chicago will likely be Colin Rea (7-3, 3.91 ERA), who has logged solid innings this season. Rea pitched an impressive seven-inning gem in his last start, holding the Minnesota Twins to just one run. His control and ability to work deep into games make him a reliable asset for the Cubs.

⚾ Key Players to Watch

Trevor Story, Boston’s reliable shortstop, continues to be a vital offensive contributor. With 15 home runs, 58 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases under his belt, Story is a threat both at the plate and on the basepaths. He recently went 2-for-3 with a stolen base in a win over the Rays, signaling that he’s heating up when it matters most.

On the other side, Michael Busch is powering Chicago’s offense. The Cubs first baseman has racked up 19 homers and 59 RBIs so far this season. He made headlines earlier this month with a stunning 4-for-4, three-home run performance against the Cardinals. His consistent hitting and ability to perform in high-pressure games make him a player to watch.

🧮 Betting Insight & Match Predictions

According to current odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Cubs are slight favorites at -137 on the moneyline, with the over/under set at 7.5 total runs. Historically, the Red Sox have held a slight edge in the matchup, winning five of the last seven games against Chicago and three of the last four at Wrigley Field.

SportsLine’s advanced simulation model, which runs each MLB game 10,000 times, projects a high-scoring contest with nearly 10 combined runs expected. The model has performed well this season in predicting game outcomes and prop bets and is reportedly favoring one side strongly on the moneyline — though readers are encouraged to analyze stats and trends before making any decisions.

📍 Game Info

• 🕑 First Pitch: 2:20 p.m. ET
• 🏟️ Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago
• 📺 Coverage: Local networks and streaming platforms

🚨 What’s at Stake

For Boston, an 11th consecutive win would continue their climb in the competitive AL East and build further momentum for a playoff push. For Chicago, defending their strong home record and halting the Red Sox’s streak could reaffirm their position as a top contender in the NL.

Expect fireworks on the field, standout performances from both starters, and a postseason atmosphere even in July.