Red Sox extend win streak to 13 games since 1948

BOSTON – Red Sox fans likely felt nostalgia as they watched the current team equal the historic 13-game winning streak set by the club in 1948, fueled by legends like Ted Williams and Johnny Pesky. For the first time since then, the Red Sox recorded a winning streak of this magnitude, energizing Fenway Park and fans across Red Sox Nation with thrilling performances.

On Sunday, the Red Sox completed a four-game sweep of the American League East-leading Tampa Bay Rays with a decisive 6-1 victory, extending their winning streak to 13 games. With this success, interim manager Chad Tracy’s team matched the 1948 squad for the second-best winning run in franchise history, only three games shy of surpassing the 1946 AL pennant-winning team's record.

“I mean, especially a historic organization like this. You hear something like that, and to feel like you're a part of history is super cool,” remarked Red Sox third baseman Caleb Durbin.

The excitement continued throughout the weekend, with fans providing electric support. Veteran right-handed pitcher Sonny Gray, who achieved his ninth consecutive quality start, said, “It was giving me chills. It was really special.” Gray had previously expressed concern about the team after an eighth loss in ten games on June 18, stating, “We’re just not a good team right now. That’s a fact.” However, he acknowledged the significant turnaround since then: “We weren't a good team, and that was a fact. But we've always had it in us, and we are a good team [now].”

This year’s squad differs from the legendary Red Sox teams of the mid-20th century in that the 1946 and 1948 editions dominated from start to finish, boasting impressive records. The 1946 team achieved a 104-50 finish yet fell short in the World Series, while the 1948 team won 96 games but lost a tie-breaking game to Cleveland.

Just weeks ago, the 2026 Red Sox struggled at a 32-46 record and found themselves 15.5 games off the division lead. They managed to turn things around dramatically, starting with a four-game sweep of the Yankees and achieving an 18-2 record since.

Currently sitting at 50-48, the team holds the third Wild Card spot, close behind the Guardians for the second Wild Card and 4.5 games behind the Yankees for the top spot. Tracy noted, “It’s pretty incredible and it's a fun ride, and we want to keep it going.”

The resurgence derives from the team’s improved hitting after a consistent pitching effort throughout the season. They demonstrated their resilience with multiple comeback victories, including a memorable win Saturday against the Rays after trailing 6-3.

Sunday’s game featured a pivotal moment when the Sox broke a 1-1 tie in the third inning with a unique three-run rally that did not involve a hit, marking the first time since April 14, 2015, that the team scored three runs without a hit. First baseman Willson Contreras stressed the importance of capitalizing on opportunities, stating, “Sometimes you don't have to hit to create runs. You have to get on base and take advantage of everything.”