15 in a row! Boston on a winning streak 80 years in the making - MLB.com
The Boston Red Sox have extended their winning streak to 14 games, a run that places them one victory shy of matching the longest winning streak in franchise history, established in 1946. This recent performance has significantly altered the team’s trajectory for the 2026 season.
On Monday night at Fenway Park, the Red Sox secured their 14th consecutive win with a 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The decisive moment came in the eighth inning when Caleb Durbin hit a two-out home run, giving Boston the lead. In the ninth inning, Aroldis Chapman preserved the lead, with shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng making a crucial play to snag a line drive from Tyler O’Neill for the final out. This win marked the Red Sox’s ninth straight against AL East opponents, their longest such streak since 2016.
The 14-game streak is currently the longest in the majors this season. During this period, the team’s pitching staff has maintained a 1.98 ERA, including three shutouts. The lineup has also shown improvement, hitting .255/.341/.461 with 22 home runs and averaging 5.9 runs per game, a notable increase from their average of 4.0 runs per game before the streak.
Turnaround for the Red Sox
Before this impressive run, the Red Sox faced significant challenges. On June 24, the team’s record stood at 32-46, placing them with the worst record in the American League. Manager Alex Cora had been replaced by Triple-A skipper Chad Tracy in late April, and key players like Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony were injured. The team was also struggling to hit home runs.
The turnaround reportedly began after a delayed flight out of Colorado. Following a mechanical issue that forced their plane back to Denver, the team arrived in Boston at 5 a.m. Tracy adjusted the report time for the June 25 game against the New York Yankees. The Red Sox went on to beat the Yankees 6-2 that night, sweeping the four-game series.
A significant factor in Boston‘s improved performance has been the starting rotation, which has recorded a 2.66 ERA during the recent 19-2 stretch. This has been achieved despite injuries to pitchers like Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez. Sonny Gray has been a standout. Rookie left-hander Jake Bennett, acquired from the Washington Nationals, has also made a strong impact, including a 4-0 record and a 1.00 ERA during the 19-2 stretch.
The team’s pitching depth has been crucial, with Gray pitching effectively and Suarez proving to be an excellent addition with a 3.15 ERA in 17 starts. Three rookie left-handers—Payton Tolle, Early, and Bennett—have started 42 of the team’s 99 games. Patrick Sandoval has made two starts since returning from Tommy John surgery, and Eduardo Rivera, another rookie lefty, has made two starts filling in for Suarez.
Caleb Durbin, who was hitting well under .200 for two months earlier in the season, has seen a significant improvement in his performance. He is now hitting .330 in his past 28 games, with seven home runs and a .986 OPS. His adjustments, including closing his stance, have contributed to his recent success.
Implications for the 2026 Season
The Red Sox‘s recent success has dramatically improved their playoff prospects for 2026. The team has climbed from being 15½ games behind the then-division-leading Yankees to 6½ games behind the current leaders, the Tampa Bay Rays.
This shift in performance has also changed the team’s approach to the trade deadline. Instead of being a team looking to deal players, the Red Sox are now positioned to potentially add to their roster. The return of injured players like Crochet and Early could further bolster the team’s rotation. Crochet has yet to begin a throwing program, while Early has started throwing from flat ground after an MRI showed no structural damage in his left elbow.
The team’s ability to continue hitting home runs will also be a key factor. Through June 24, the Red Sox ranked 29th in home runs, but since June 25, they rank 16th. Willson Contreras has been a strong contributor during this 21-game stretch, hitting .333/.429/.741 with 20 RBIs. The team is also awaiting the potential return of Trevor Story, who hopes to begin a rehab assignment in August after surgery for a sports hernia.
The Red Sox‘s current winning streak has brought a renewed sense of hope to the season, transforming what was once a challenging period into a compelling watch for fans. The team’s next game is scheduled against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night.
Source: tsn.ca
