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A battle of first-place teams continues Saturday night in Houston, where the AL West-leading Astros host the NL East-leading Chicago Cubs. The game is scheduled to start at 7:15 p.m.

The Cubs are favored at home (-142) against the Royals (+120). The Chicago Cubs will hand the ball to Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA), who is looking for win No. 11 on the season, and the Royals will counter with Richard Hill.

“Somehow he’s just gotten better in this stretch,” Counsell said. “He’s just overwhelming hitters. It’s just a great pitch mix and deception. You watch the Bobby Witt at-bats, who’s one of the best hitters in the game. What (Boyd) did there tonight is a great example of how good the stuff is. It’s been fun to watch him pitch.”

View news about the Chicago Cubs vs. St. Louis Cardinals game played on June 23, 2025 including player news, injury news, predictions, analysis and more.