The Boston Red Sox have tied a franchise record with 15 consecutive wins, a remarkable turnaround that has propelled them from last place in the American League East to a strong position in the MLB postseason race. The streak, which began in July, matches the longest winning run in team history, set 80 years ago in 1946.
Just weeks before the historic streak, the Red Sox were considered one of baseball's biggest disappointments. Despite a high payroll and a roster of established stars and promising prospects, the team struggled through the first half of the season, hampered by numerous injuries. Entering July, they were in last place in the AL East with a 37-48 record and held the third-worst record in the American League, 14 games out of first place. At one point, their chances of reaching the postseason were estimated at just 8.4%.
Historic Streak
The Red Sox's improbable run saw them win 14 consecutive games heading into a day-night doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. They secured their 14th win in the day game, with shortstop Tsung-Che Chung making a key defensive play to seal the victory. This win tied the franchise record set in 1946 and marked the first time a team had achieved 15 consecutive wins since the St. Louis Cardinals in 2021. Infielder Caleb Durbin described the feeling of nearing the record as akin to playoff games, reflecting on the significance of achieving this milestone within a storied franchise.
Streak Ends, But Season Transformed
The opportunity to set a new franchise record with a 16th consecutive win came Wednesday night at Fenway Park against the struggling Orioles. However, Baltimore turned the tables, scoring four runs in the top of the first inning. Jonathan Rodriguez's double off the Green Monster contributed to Red Sox starting pitcher Eduardo Rivera being removed from the game in the first inning. The Red Sox offense struggled, and they ultimately lost the second game of the doubleheader 5-1, falling just short of an outright record.
Despite the streak's end, the team's performance has dramatically altered their season. They went from being on the brink of becoming sellers at the trade deadline to being legitimate postseason contenders. Before Wednesday's loss, Boston's postseason probability had surged to 67%, and they held sole possession of the third wild card spot in the American League. The streak also brought them within six games of first place in the AL East.
The Red Sox achieved this success despite significant injuries to key players such as Garrett Crochet, Trevor Story, and Roman Anthony. Their resurgence has been attributed to a combination of timely hitting, strong pitching, and luck. In July, the team posted the best ERA in baseball and an .877 OPS with runners in scoring position. The potential return of injured players like Crochet, Anthony, and Story, alongside starting pitcher Ranger Suárez, could further bolster the team for a playoff run.