Red Sox surge from 32-46 to contention with 13-game winning streak
Boston turned a 15½-game deficit into a 13-game winning streak, closing to six games behind the AL East leader and securing the third wild-card spot, driven by improved offense, strong pitching and bullpen performance.
Boston entered late June with a 32-46 record, trailing the American League East leader by 15½ games and sitting six games back in the wild-card race. Starting on June 25, the Red Sox embarked on an 18-2 run that included a 13-game winning streak, the second-longest in franchise history, and moved within six games of the division lead while taking sole possession of the third wild-card position.
Interim manager Chad Tracy said the turnaround stemmed from “different ways to score runs,” noting longer at-bats, more walks and a balanced approach that combined small-ball tactics with power hitting. The pitching staff has also been a key factor; veteran Sonny Gray posted a 12-1 record with a 2.48 ERA, while rookie Payton Tolle showed significant progress. Left-hander Jake Bennett, promoted from Triple-A, contributed a 4-1 record and a 1.17 ERA in his first six starts.
During the surge, Boston posted the third-best ERA in the majors at 2.46 and ranked second in WHIP (1.01), opponents’ batting average (.202) and opponents’ OPS (.576). The bullpen, anchored by Aroldis Chapman and Garrett Whitlock, recorded a 2.49 ERA and held opponents to a .196 batting average, the third-best in MLB, while leading the league in opponents’ OPS (.565).
First baseman Willson Contreras praised Tracy’s steady leadership, saying the manager “stays at the same level whether we win or lose,” and highlighted his communication with both younger and veteran players.