Red Sox Surge to 20-3 Run and AL Wild-Card Spot as 15-Game Streak Reshapes Deadline Plans
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 24
Red Sox Surge to 20-3 Run and AL Wild-Card Spot as 15-Game Streak Reshapes Deadline Plans
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 24
Summary
Boston’s 20-3 stretch since June 25 lifted the Red Sox to 52-49 and into an American League wild-card spot, capping a 15-game winning streak that pushed them consistently above .500 for the first time this season.
15 straight wins were driven by a clearer team identity: stronger situational hitting, cleaner defense and dominant pitching rather than relying only on power.
11 stolen bases, eight sacrifice bunts and six sacrifice flies during the streak highlighted a small-ball shift, while the lineup still produced 23 homers and 5.9 runs per game after averaging 4.0 earlier.
Five errors, a 2.78 rotation ERA and a 1.08 bullpen ERA underpinned the run, with Aroldis Chapman logging seven saves and Garrett Whitlock making 10 straight scoreless appearances.
Aug. 3 now looms as a key test for Boston’s front office, with the surge strengthening the case to add a bat and at least one bullpen arm for a postseason push.