Cubs Look to Even Series After Dropping Opener at Fenway

The Cubs roll into Fenway down 0-1 after dropping Thursday's series opener 4-3, and they've got to be kicking themselves. DarkHorse liked them as road favorites at -120, and Chicago had every chance to cash that ticket before letting Boston sneak out with the W. Now they're staring down a must-win Sunday matinee with the calendar flipping to October in four days.

Boston's bats came alive just enough in the opener, scratching across four runs against a Cubs staff that's been inconsistent down the stretch. The Red Sox have been scrappy at home all year, and Fenway's quirks always play havoc with visiting pitchers who don't respect the Monster. Chicago's offense showed flashes Thursday but couldn't deliver the knockout blow when it mattered.

The Cubs need this one badly if they're serious about their postseason positioning. They've got the talent to bounce back, but they'll need to execute cleaner than they did in the opener. Boston, meanwhile, smells blood and knows they can take this series with another gritty performance. DarkHorse hasn't weighed in yet on Sunday's rematch, but expect the sharp money to move quickly once lineups and probable starters shake out. This one's got all the makings of a tight, testy afternoon at America's most beloved ballpark.