The Boston Red Sox matched their franchise record with a 15-game winning streak in 2026, tying the mark set by the 1946 team [1, 2]. The streak ended on July 22, 2026, when the Red Sox lost 5-1 to the Baltimore Orioles in the second game of a doubleheader at Fenway Park [1, 2]. Earlier that day, the Red Sox had won the first game to tie the record with their 15th consecutive victory [1, 2].
Before the streak began in late June, the Red Sox had struggled early in the 2026 season, holding a 37-48 record and just an 8.4% chance of reaching the postseason as of June 21 [2]. The team’s winning streak started on June 25 against the Orioles, when their record was 32-46 [3]. During the run, the Red Sox improved to 52-49, moving into the third American League wild card spot [1].
The Red Sox outscored their opponents significantly during the streak, allowing only 32 runs total—an average of 2.13 runs per game [3]. Strong pitching contributed heavily to their success. Craig Breslow, the team’s Chief Baseball Officer, emphasized the improved pitching staff, which included offseason acquisitions like Ranger Suarez on a five-year, $130 million deal [3]. Breslow said, “We have to win a lot of baseball games and we don’t have a ton of time to do it. I believe that we’re capable of doing it. It’s going to require more consistent play on the field. But I see no reason that with the pitching that we have and the consistency of the starting pitching, with the strength of the backend of the bullpen, we can’t get ourselves in a position where we do win these games.” [3]
Key offensive and defensive players such as Garrett Crochet, Trevor Story, and Roman Anthony missed time due to injuries during the streak [2]. Caleb Durbin reflected on the run’s significance, saying, “You keep stacking one win over another, and then you get close, and once you get within three or four, they start to feel like playoff games because you want to get there. But yeah, then you look back at it, and think about where you're doing it and how long this franchise has existed. It's pretty incredible.” [2]
The 15-game streak is the Red Sox’s longest since the 1946 season and the second-longest winning streak of the 2020s behind the 17-game streak by the 2021 St. Louis Cardinals [1]. A 16th consecutive win would have set a new franchise record [1, 2].
The Red Sox will seek to build on their momentum as the regular season continues, aiming to secure a postseason spot before the season’s final months.
