Red Sox Ride 10-Game Winning Streak into Second-Half Showdown

The Boston Red Sox are tremendously locked in coming out of the All-Star break. They ripped off a 10-game winning streak heading into the break – the franchise’s longest streak since July 2018 – vaulting themselves back into the playoff picture. Boston (53-45) now sits just a game out of second place in the AL East (behind New York) and only a few games behind first-place Toronto. This surge has transformed the Red Sox from potential sellers into confident contenders; after looking dead in early June, they’ve won 13 of 15 to climb into a Wild Card spot. The clubhouse energy is palpable – players even sport T-shirts quoting infielder Romy Gonzalez’s mantra, “Tremendously locked in,” which perfectly captures the team’s mindset during this run.

Youth Movement Sparks the Streak

Boston’s streak has been fueled by an infusion of young talent and athleticism. Manager Alex Cora emphasized energy and hustle from his youngsters, and they’ve delivered. A mix of rookies and second-year players have ignited the offense and defense, stepping up after the team’s mid-June shake-up (which included trading star Rafael Devers). Here’s a look at several key players driving the Red Sox’s recent success:

• Ceddanne Rafaela (CF) – The 24-year-old spark plug is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak, batting an astonishing .421 with 5 home runs and 15 RBIs in that span. Rafaela’s blend of speed and defense “doesn’t slump,” as Cora notes, and he’s brought energy every day. On the season he’s slashing .271 with 14 homers and 48 RBIs, often providing clutch hits – including a two-run blast that sealed win number 10 of the streak.
• Roman Anthony (RF) – Boston’s top hitting prospect has made an immediate impact since his June call-up. The 21-year-old is batting .263 with a .759 OPS so far, and he became the youngest Red Sox in 60 years to notch a nine-game hitting streak. Anthony now has 28 hits (eight doubles, 2 HR) and 13 RBIs through his first 31 games. During the streak, he hit .389 with a 1.044 OPS, showing advanced plate discipline and comfort against MLB pitching. His steady production in right field (and even some history-making feats) has provided a massive spark to the lineup.
• Jarren Duran (OF) – The 28-year-old Duran adds experience to the young outfield. While he hasn’t matched his breakout 2024 numbers, he’s still a dynamic contributor with 8 home runs, 16 stolen bases, and 43 extra-base hits before the break. Duran’s blend of speed and left-handed pop atop the lineup gives pitchers headaches. He tallied 103 combined runs and RBIs through 97 games, and even if his OPS has dipped from .834 last year to around .750 now, Duran remains a catalyst. With Boston’s surplus of outfielders (including Rafaela, Anthony, Wilyer Abreu, and Masataka Yoshida), Duran’s name has surfaced in trade rumors, but for now he’s an important weapon for the Red Sox attack.
• Romy Gonzalez (INF) – A somewhat unheralded addition, Gonzalez (nicknamed “Tony” by some teammates) has been on a tear and even inspired the team’s rallying T-shirt. The 28-year-old utility infielder is hitting .338 with 5 homers and 28 RBIs in limited action, providing timely offense. He entered the break on a nine-game hit streak, with three homers in that stretch. Gonzalez’s hot bat (1.0+ OPS) and versatility around the diamond have been invaluable, especially while veterans like Alex Bregman were injured. His quote – “tremendously locked in” – became a clubhouse motto that perfectly encapsulates Boston’s chemistry during the streak.
• Marcelo Mayer (INF) – The Red Sox’s 22-year-old top prospect has experienced some growing pains but has flashed his talent at key moments. Mayer is batting .224 with 4 home runs in 28 games since debuting in late May. He struggled through June, but on July 10 he delivered “his best at-bat of the season,” ripping a 108.7-mph opposite-field RBI double to ignite a comeback win (Boston’s seventh straight victory). That clutch hit helped extend the streak and showed Mayer’s ability to adjust. Primarily a shortstop, he’s been filling in at third base and second base; with Bregman returning, Mayer will likely platoon and continue getting valuable reps. His poise on defense and occasional pop at the plate hint at the impact he’ll have as he develops.

These emerging players, alongside veterans like Trevor Story (who has provided steady defense and leads the team with 58 RBIs), have given Boston “a jolt of successful youth” and a newfound identity. In Cora’s words, “We can win in different ways… we can slug, or win one-run games, we can steal bases… it all starts with the pitching.”. That leads to the other half of Boston’s streak success: dominant pitching.

Pitching Performances: Crochet and Giolito Anchor the Rotation

Lights-out pitching has underpinned the Red Sox’s winning streak, with two big mid-season acquisitions leading the way. All-Star Garrett Crochet and Lucas Giolito have been exceptional, giving the Red Sox a formidable 1-2 punch atop the rotation.

• Garrett Crochet (LHP) – Crochet has blossomed into the staff ace in his first year with Boston. The 26-year-old fireballer (a former White Sox first-round pick) earned his second All-Star nod and even skipped pitching in the All-Star Game to be rested for the second half. Before the break, Crochet boasted a 10–4 record with a 2.23 ERA across 20 starts, tallying 160 strikeouts in 129.1 innings – an elite strikeout rate. He capped the first half by throwing a 3-hit shutout with 9 Ks against Tampa Bay, a 1–0 victory that marked his first career complete game and the team’s 9th win in a row. In that gem, Crochet issued 0 walks and needed just 100 pitches, showcasing impeccable control to go with his high-90s fastball. He leads the staff in almost every category, and his dominance has “been lights out,” according to Cora. With Crochet fronting the rotation, Boston’s team ERA has improved to 3.79, among the better marks in the AL.
• Lucas Giolito (RHP) – After a rocky start, Giolito has turned his season around in a big way. The Red Sox signed the 30-year-old veteran to a 2-year, $38 million deal in the offseason, betting he could bounce back from 2024 elbow surgery. Early returns were rough – by early June his ERA was a bloated 6.42. But Giolito found his form in June and July, stringing together six consecutive quality starts ahead of the break. In fact, over his last 38.2 innings, Giolito allowed just 3 earned runs, slashing his ERA down to 3.36. He’s now 6–1 and regained his status as a workhorse, consistently giving the Red Sox six-plus innings each outing. In his final pre-break start, Giolito fired 6 scoreless innings against Colorado. His rejuvenation has been crucial – as one report noted, “the emergence of Lucas Giolito and Brayan Bello” has reduced Boston’s urgency to acquire another starter. Giolito’s experience and recent command (he hasn’t given up a homer in several starts) lend stability behind Crochet.
• Brayan Bello (RHP) – Just 24, Bello is another homegrown arm giving the Sox quality innings. He pitched Boston to win number 10 in the streak with 6⅓ strong innings of one-run ball vs. Tampa Bay. Bello is 5–3 with a 3.27 ERA on the year and has delivered a quality start in 7 of his last 8 games. His development (lowering walks and working deeper into games) has been a big mid-season boost. Bello’s emergence – along with Crochet and Giolito – means Boston’s rotation suddenly looks like a strength. In Cora’s words, “it all starts with the pitching,” and during the win streak the Red Sox arms have indeed been superb.
• Bullpen and Other Arms – The Red Sox bullpen has also done its job finishing games. Veteran closer Aroldis Chapman (an eight-time All-Star acquired last winter) has been dominant, logging 17 saves by the break. He struck out the side in order to seal the 10th straight win, and owns a 0.00 ERA in July. Setup men like John Schreiber and Chris Martin have also chipping in with scoreless frames. With the rotation going deeper, the relief corps has stayed fresh. The improved pitching across the board is reflected in opponent numbers – Boston’s staff is holding hitters to a .245 average and just 3.8 runs/game, a marked improvement from earlier in the season.

By the numbers, Boston’s recent success is clearly a team effort. The table below summarizes the key players’ stats up to the All-Star break and their contributions to the 10-game streak:

Table: Key Red Sox player stats at the All-Star break and their contributions during the 10-game winning streak. Rafaela, Anthony, Duran, Gonzalez, and Mayer energized the offense, while Crochet, Giolito, and Bello led a resurgent pitching staff.

Strategies for the Road Ahead: Facing Chicago and Philadelphia

As the second half begins, the Red Sox face a challenging road trip with series against the Chicago Cubs and the Philadelphia Phillies (followed by the Dodgers). Both opponents are playoff-caliber teams, so Boston will need to carry over its sharp play. Below we break down the upcoming matchups and key strategies for the Red Sox to keep their streak alive (or at least win these series):

Beating the Chicago Cubs (July 18–20 at Wrigley Field)

The Cubs entered the All-Star break 57-39, sitting in first place in the NL Central. They boast a balanced attack and a strong pitching staff (3.84 team ERA, similar to Boston’s). Here’s how the Red Sox can tackle this series:

• Contain Chicago’s 25–25 Threat: Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA) is having a breakout year, hitting .271 with 25 home runs and 27 stolen bases by the break. He became just the third player in MLB history with 25+ HR and 25+ SB before the All-Star Game. The Red Sox pitchers must be careful pitching to PCA, who has five multi-homer games and can change a game with one swing or one dash on the bases. Keeping him off the basepaths is crucial – expect Boston to use slide-step deliveries and perhaps more fastballs up to counter his power-speed combo. Limiting PCA’s impact (especially in high-leverage spots) will cut off the head of Chicago’s offense.
• Attack Early vs. Vulnerable Starters: The Cubs’ probable rotation features some beatable arms in the first two games. Game 1 will see right-hander Collin Rea (7-3, 3.91 ERA). While Rea has been solid, he’s not overpowering (65 Ks in 85 IP). The Red Sox should be aggressive early in counts against Rea to find pitches to drive. In Game 2, Boston is set to face Japanese lefty Shota Imanaga (5-3, 2.80 ERA). Imanaga has been excellent, so the Sox may counter by stacking right-handed bats (expect Justin Turner, if healthy, and maybe rookie Narciso Crook if called up) to gain the platoon edge. Working pitch counts against Imanaga and making him throw strikes early will be key – Boston wants to get into Chicago’s middle relief by the mid-innings. Any scoring opportunities with runners on against these starters must be capitalized on, given the tougher arm looming in Game 3.
• Prepare for the Crochet Showdown: In the series finale, the Cubs are expected to start Garrett Crochet, the very same pitcher who has led Boston’s staff (in an unusual twist of scheduling). (There is some confusion, as Crochet has been a Red Sox ace – but if he were to pitch against Boston due to a roster quirk or trade, the Red Sox hitters would need a plan for his high-velocity arsenal.) Assuming Crochet remains with Boston (as is the case), the Red Sox might instead deploy him on the mound in Game 3, which would be a big advantage for Boston. In either scenario, Boston should be ready for a left-handed power pitcher in the finale. Hitters like Trevor Story (who hits lefties well) and Ceddanne Rafaela (quick bat to handle 98+ mph) will be central. The strategy is to make any hard-throwing lefty work: drive up the pitch count with long at-bats, lay off the slider out of the zone, and be ready to jump on a first-pitch fastball in scoring situations. Even one or two runs might suffice if Boston’s own pitching holds Chicago in check.
• Mind the Cubs’ Middle of the Order: Beyond PCA, Chicago’s lineup features RBI machines like Seiya Suzuki, who leads the team with 77 RBIs. Suzuki and others (e.g. Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner) can grind out at-bats. Red Sox pitchers should continue their recent trend of attacking the zone – walk avoidance will be critical, because the Cubs average 5.3 runs per game and thrive when they get free passes. Brayan Bello (scheduled for Game 2) will need to mix his sinking fastball and changeup to induce ground balls from Chicago’s hitters, preventing extra-base hits. The defense must be tight as well, as Chicago will capitalize on errors. If Boston can pitch to the edges and play clean defense, they can hold the Cubs’ offense in check.

Tackling the Philadelphia Phillies (July 21–22 at Citizens Bank Park)

Right after Chicago, Boston travels to Philadelphia to face the Phillies, who were 55-41 at the break and sitting atop the NL East by a slim margin. The Phillies present a different challenge – they are a top-heavy team built on elite starting pitching and middle-of-the-order power. To succeed in the two-game set in Philly, the Red Sox should consider these strategies:

• Work the Aces: Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sánchez. Philadelphia’s rotation is arguably the best in the NL, anchored by Zack Wheeler and the emergent Cristopher Sánchez. Wheeler (scheduled for Game 1) is a Cy Young candidate with a 9-3 record, 2.36 ERA, and 154 Ks at midseason. Sánchez (a lefty likely going in Game 2) is 8-2 with a 2.50 ERA and just pitched a gem before the break. Boston’s hitters must grind out at-bats against these two. That means patience and discipline: make Wheeler and Sánchez throw a lot of pitches, even if it results in early strikeouts. Foul off tough offerings to extend at-bats. The goal should be to push Wheeler over, say, 100 pitches by the 6th inning and get him out of the game. The more pitches these aces log, the better the chance Boston can strike. Against Wheeler’s power fastball/slider mix, look for the Red Sox to deploy lefty batters like Masataka Yoshida to neutralize his slider, and have righties sit dead-red on his four-seam fastball. Versus Sánchez, who relies on sinkers and change-ups, Boston can start some extra right-handed bats (perhaps WooSox call-up Bobby Dalbec or utilize Connor Wong at DH) to gain the platoon advantage. It’s critical to score early if possible – any opportunity with runners in scoring position must be seized, because there won’t be many against pitchers holding ERAs in the low-2.00s.
• Leverage Righty Power vs. Lefty: In the game against left-hander Sánchez, the Red Sox lineup should feature its right-handed sluggers. Alex Bregman (if fully back from injury) and Trevor Story both mash left-handed pitching historically. Bregman’s presence would lengthen the lineup significantly, forcing Sánchez to face an unbroken chain of tough righty hitters. Ceddanne Rafaela could be an X-factor here: the right-handed rookie has quick hands that handle lefty fastballs well, and he’s slugging over .600 in July. A possible strategy is hit-and-run or early count running when Rafaela or Duran (if he starts) get on base, to disrupt Sánchez’s rhythm. Also, watch for Boston to lay down a bunt or two – testing Sánchez’s agility off the mound – since low-scoring games mean manufacturing a run (via a steal, bunt, sac fly) might decide a game.
• Exploit the Phillies Bullpen Uncertainty: One area Boston can exploit is Philadelphia’s bullpen. The Phillies lost their All-Star closer José Alvarado to an 80-game PED suspension in May, and they have been piecing together the back end of games. They’ve been scouting other teams’ relievers (like Minnesota’s Jhoan Durán) because replacing Alvarado has been an issue. So if the Red Sox can push Wheeler or Sánchez out by the 6th or 7th inning, they may get to face less dominant relievers. Former closer Craig Kimbrel is gone, and interim options like Seranthony Domínguez or Gregory Soto have been inconsistent. This is why working pitch counts is vital – not just to tire the starters, but to get to the soft underbelly of Philly’s pitching. If Boston enters the late innings in a close game, they should be aggressive against whichever middle reliever or fill-in closer is on the mound. Look for opportunities to steal a base or hit behind the runner to put pressure on Philly’s bullpen, which has blown a few leads (the Phillies had a dramatic blown save via inside-the-park homer on July 9, highlighting their late-inning volatility). In short: survive the starters, then strike in the 7th-8th innings when the bullpen is in.
• Keep Bryce Harper in the Park: The heart of Philadelphia’s lineup still features superstar Bryce Harper, along with slugging right fielder Nick Castellanos and catcher J.T. Realmuto. Harper recently returned from an injured wrist that sidelined him for a month. He started slow in his first few games back (1-for-14) but then showed flashes of his MVP form with a four-extra-base-hit outburst on July 8. The Red Sox pitchers need a clear plan for Harper: don’t let him beat you with the long ball. It may be wise to pitch around Harper in big spots (even if it means putting him on base) and take their chances with the next hitters. Castellanos, while dangerous, is more prone to chase – for him, mixing sliders low and away could induce grounders or swings-and-misses. The Phillies offense isn’t as deep as some; if Harper and Castellanos are held in check, Philadelphia can struggle to score. Boston should also be prepared for the Phillies to play small-ball if needed – manager Rob Thomson has shown a willingness to get creative (the Phillies famously executed a double steal of home – the “double slide” – in June). Alert defense and controlling the running game (Realmuto and Trea Turner can still steal bases) will help neutralize those tactics.
• Maintain Aggressive, Mistake-Free Play: On the road against two tough teams, the Red Sox must keep doing what they did during the streak – playing aggressive and clean baseball. That means taking the extra base on hits, continuing the smart baserunning (Boston was 85-for-100 on steal attempts, best in AL, showing great efficiency), and avoiding defensive lapses. The margin for error against Chicago’s and Philadelphia’s pitching is slim, so one error or missed opportunity can swing a game. The return of veterans like Story (at shortstop) and possibly Bregman (at third) should shore up the infield defense. In the outfield, Rafaela and Duran’s range will be assets, especially covering the expansive center field in Philadelphia. If the Red Sox can match the Phillies’ intensity and execute fundamentally — for example, turning double plays to escape jams and hitting the cutoff man to prevent extra bases — they will put themselves in position to win close games on the road.

Outlook: Continuing the Momentum

The Red Sox have put themselves back in the contender conversation with this 10-game winning streak. A few weeks ago, they were 10½ games out and contemplating a sell-off; now they’re within striking distance of first place. Confidence is high – Ken Rosenthal even suggested Boston “might be in the World Series” if they make the right moves at the trade deadline. To make that prophecy a reality, Boston needs to carry their momentum through these challenging series. The data shows a well-rounded formula: young hitters producing up and down the lineup, and pitching that has been nothing short of stellar (a 1.80 ERA during the streak, with four shutouts in 10 games). If they stick to the strategies above – leveraging their speed and youth, trusting their top arms, and playing situational baseball – the Red Sox can navigate the upcoming tests against Chicago and Philadelphia successfully.

Every game counts in a tight playoff race. Boston’s 10-game win streak gave them a huge boost in the standings; now the challenge is sustaining that high level. The combination of a “tremendously locked in” clubhouse chemistry, robust statistics to back up their performance, and smart tactical adjustments for each opponent should serve the Red Sox well. As they kick off the second half, all eyes will be on whether this team can extend its run – and if the Red Sox can emerge from the Cubs and Phillies series still streaking (or at least unscathed), it will validate their status as a true contender in 2025. Boston fans have real reason to believe; the numbers and the newfound swagger of this Red Sox squad speak for themselves. The road ahead is tough, but the Red Sox are tougher right now – and if they keep playing like it, that 10-game win streak may just be the beginning of something special in Fenway.

BWM⚾️