Chicago Cubs vs Boston Red Sox Prediction 7-16-23 MLB Picks

The Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs meet Sunday in MLB action from Wrigley Field. This will be the finale in a three-game weekend series. The Red Sox took a five-run win in the opener, then on Saturday Chicago evened it up with a six-run victory. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place. 

Boston Red Sox

The Red Sox scored twice in three different innings Friday, bagging 13 hits in an 8-3 win. In the Saturday game two, Boston gave up six runs in the third and never recovered in a 10-4 loss. Starter James Paxton lasted 3.0 innings with six earned on three hits and three walks. 

For the starter job on Sunday the Red Sox will go with Kutter Crawford. This year over his 17 games (nine starts) this year Crawford is 3-4 with a 4.11 ERA and 58 Ks in 61.1 innings. Crawford is 6-11 with a 5.12 ERA in 39 career games (22 starts). 

Chicago Cubs 

Over on the Cubs’ side, they had nine team hits on Friday but couldn’t keep pace with Boston. On Saturday Chicago had 12 hits in the big win. Starting pitcher Marcus Stroman went 6.0 innings with one earned, three hits and a walk. 

Justin Steele will take the starting role for the Cubs on Sunday. Across his 16 starts so far Steele is 9-2 with a 2.56 ERA and 81 Ks in 91.1 innings. Steele is 17-13 with a 3.20 ERA in 60 career games (49 starts). 

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’ll take a stab on the Cubs here. Steele was shaky at times during his last start versus Milwaukee (6.0 innings; three earned in a no-decision) but prior to that he was pitching well. Steele was 2-0 with one earned in 12.1 previous innings over the pair before that. On Saturday Chicago had a couple of big innings early and rode the wave to the win. If Steele can post a quality start in the finale I think the Cubs have a good shot at winning the series.