Full Breakdown
Jake Bennett’s Surge Powers Red Sox to Fifth Straight Win
7/10/2026, 6:08:47 PM
A Quality Start Against Chicago
Jake Bennett delivered seven shutout innings on July 9, 2026, allowing four hits, one walk and striking out four as Boston defeated the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox 5-0. The performance marked Bennett’s fourth consecutive quality start (six or more innings with three or fewer runs) and his fifth straight start allowing two or fewer runs, bringing his ERA to 2.64 through eight outings. Boston’s pitching staff now boasts 15 quality starts in the last 18 games.
Offseason Trade That Paid Off
The Red Sox acquired the 25-year-old left-hander in a one-for-one deal with the Washington Nationals, sending right-hander Luis Perales—once a top prospect before Tommy John surgery in 2024—to Washington. Bennett himself underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returned with a strong 2025 minor-league season. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow and his staff believed Bennett was nearer to major-league readiness than Perales, a bet that has quickly yielded a reliable rotation option.
Manager Chad Tracy’s Assessment
Interim manager Chad Tracy praised Bennett’s consistency: “Same as what he usually does. He just went out there and ho-hum pounded the strike zone. It was just really good. He was ahead in the count, off-speed for swing and miss.” Tracy also addressed the injuries sustained during the game, noting that first baseman Willson Contreras and second baseman Anthony Seigler left with contusions but were “doing OK” after the incident.
Injury Concerns for Contreras and Seigler
Contreras suffered a left-foot contusion after fouling a ball off his foot, while Seigler incurred a right-trapezius contusion following a collision with catcher Kyle Teel on a wild pitch. Both players were removed from the game, and the team expected further updates on their status the following day.
Upcoming Pitching Debut: Patrick Sandoval
Boston will attempt to complete the series sweep on Thursday, with left-hander Patrick Sandoval slated to make his Red Sox debut. Sandoval returns after a two-year recovery from Tommy John surgery performed in June 2024, providing another fresh arm for the rotation.
