The Boston Red Sox won their 11th consecutive game on Thursday, defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 7-3 at Fenway Park. It is the franchise’s longest winning streak in a decade. The victory lifted the team to a 50-50 record, marking their first return to .500 since April.
The streak has vaulted the Red Sox into the American League wild-card conversation. According to Yahoo Sports, Boston now holds the third and final wild-card spot, trailing the Houston Astros by 2.5 games. The turnaround is stark: on June 12, the team sat at 39-41, 10 games under .500.
Thursday’s game was the 97th of the season. The Red Sox lineup featured Jarren Duran leading off, followed by Rafael Devers and Triston Casas. Starting pitcher Kutter Crawford allowed two earned runs over six innings, striking out seven. The bullpen, which has posted a 2.15 ERA during the streak, held the Rays scoreless over the final three frames.
The offensive surge has been equally dramatic. Over the 11 games, Boston has averaged 6.3 runs per game, up from 4.2 before the streak. Defensive improvements have also been key: the team committed just three errors during the stretch, compared to 12 in the previous 11 games.
For fans searching “red sox game today,” Friday’s matchup against the Rays offers a chance to extend the streak. Projected lineups from the Boston Globe show right-hander Brayan Bello (8-5, 3.89 ERA) opposing Tampa Bay lefty Shane McClanahan (9-4, 2.91 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. ET.
The streak has re-energized the fan base. Attendance at Fenway Park averaged 34,200 over the past four home games, up 12% from the season average. Season ticket inquiries have also increased, according to team sources.
| Category | Before Streak (Games 1-86) | During Streak (Games 87-97) |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 39-47 | 11-0 |
| Runs per game | 4.2 | 6.3 |
| Team ERA | 4.51 | 2.87 |
| Errors per 11 games | 12 | 3 |
| Wild-card position | Out of playoff picture | Third wild-card spot |
The 11-game win streak is the longest for Boston since a 13-game run in August 2014. That season, the Red Sox finished 71-91. This year’s team, however, has shown resilience. Manager Alex Cora told reporters Thursday: “We never stopped believing. This is a different group.”
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is the Red Sox’s current winning streak?
- A: The Boston Red Sox have won 11 consecutive games as of Thursday, marking their longest streak in a decade and lifting them to a 50-50 record.
- Q: How has the Red Sox lineup changed during the streak?
- A: During the 11-game streak, Boston has averaged 6.3 runs per game, up from 4.2 before, with key contributors like Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Triston Casas.
- Q: Who is pitching in Friday’s Red Sox game today?
- A: Right-hander Brayan Bello (8-5, 3.89 ERA) is scheduled to start for Boston against Tampa Bay lefty Shane McClanahan (9-4, 2.91 ERA) at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Extended Reading
Sources for this article include MLB.com’s game report on the 11th straight win, Yahoo Sports’ analysis of the wild-card standings, and the Boston Globe’s preview of Friday’s game.