Red Sox seek to extend winning streak
The Boston Red Sox are set to play a split-admission doubleheader today, following the postponement of Tuesday’s game due to rain. The first contest is scheduled for 1:35 p.m., with the regularly scheduled game to follow at 7:10 p.m. Tickets from Tuesday’s game will be honored for the afternoon matchup.
The Red Sox are looking to tie a franchise record for consecutive wins, currently on a 14-game winning streak. This run is the longest in Major League Baseball this season and the longest in the majors since the Brewers achieved 14 consecutive wins last August. The last MLB streak of at least 15 wins occurred in September of 2021, when the Cardinals secured 17 straight victories.
This remarkable turnaround for the Red Sox has been a significant shift from their performance just weeks prior. Earlier in the season, the team faced challenges, including being swept at home by the Blue Jays and dropping games to the Colorado Rockies. Despite these earlier struggles and injuries to key players, the team has found a way to win.
Interim manager Chad Tracy has been credited with maintaining the team’s momentum, particularly through the All-Star break. A significant number of players reportedly attended an optional workout before the second half of the season resumed, indicating strong team buy-in.
Pitching matchups for doubleheader
For the opener, left-hander Jake Bennett is slated to start for the Red Sox. This will be Bennett’s first time facing the Baltimore Orioles. His season record stands at 5-3 with an ERA of 2.35. The Orioles will counter with right-hander Dean Kremer, who holds a 1-2 record with a 4.15 ERA.
The Red Sox have not yet announced a starting pitcher for the second game of the doubleheader. Activating Ranger Suarez is a potential option, or the team could opt for a bullpen game, with Eduardo Rivera serving as an opener. Interim manager Chad Tracy mentioned that the decision regarding Suarez would depend on his condition today.
The Orioles plan to start right-hander Kyle Bradish in the night game. Kremer has a career record of 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA in 10 starts against the Red Sox, while Bradish has a 1-6 record with a 6.75 ERA in 10 starts against them.
The Red Sox have shown strong performance in recent games, with a record of 19-2 or better over a 21-game span, achieving a plus 53 run differential. Their relievers lead MLB in ERA with 3.09 and rank second in WHIP at 1.17, trailing the Braves. The team also has a strong record when leading after seven innings, at 47-1, tied with the Rays for the best in MLB.
Following today’s games, the Red Sox will have a day off on Thursday before hosting the Blue Jays for a three-game series beginning on Friday.
Team’s collective effort drives success
The current winning streak is notable for being a collective effort rather than relying on a single standout player. Different hitters have contributed on various nights, the starting pitching has been a consistent anchor, and the defense has capitalized on opponent mistakes. Players like Caleb Durbin, Tsung-Che Cheng, Anthony Seigler, and Masataka Yoshida have all made significant contributions.
This team-wide performance contrasts with historical streaks, such as the Red Sox’s 14-game winning streak in 1946, where Ted Williams played a dominant role. The current success has occurred despite the absence of players like Garrett Crochet and Roman Anthony, and with Trevor Story not contributing significantly.
The Red Sox’s roster for the first game includes Masataka Yoshida as designated hitter, Ceddanne Rafaela in center field, Wilyer Abreu in right field, Willson Contreras at first base, Caleb Durbin at third base, David Gonzalez at second base, Jarren Duran in left field, Connor Wong as catcher, and Tsung-Che Cheng at shortstop.
The Orioles’ lineup for the first game is yet to be announced. The game will be broadcast on NESN and WEEI-FM 93.7.
The Red Sox players have some history against Orioles pitcher Dean Kremer: Wilyer Abreu is 1-8, Willson Contreras is 2-3, Jarren Duran is 5-11, Caleb Durbin is 1-2, Andruw Monasterio is 0-6, Carlos Narváez is 2-2, Ceddanne Rafaela is 1-8, Connor Wong is 0-6, and Masataka Yoshida is 5-10.
The first game of the doubleheader is scheduled for 1:35 p.m. today.
Source: bostonglobe.com