Full Breakdown
Red Sox Aim to Break Franchise Win-Streak Record in Wednesday Doubleheader
7/22/2026, 9:11:24 PM
Background & Context
Boston entered a 14-game winning streak, the longest in MLB this season and the longest since the Brewers’ 14-game run in August 2021. The streak ties Seattle’s 14-game run in 2022. A franchise-record 15 straight victories was set by the 1946 Red Sox (April 25–May 10). A rainout postponed Tuesday’s game against the Orioles, converting it into a split-admission doubleheader on Wednesday. Winning both contests would give Boston 16 consecutive victories, establishing a new franchise record.
Key Figures
- Chad Tracy – interim manager – overseeing pitcher usage amid the rain delay.
- Jake Bennett – left-handed rookie starter (5-3, 2.35 ERA) – slated to open the day game, his first career start versus Baltimore.
- Ranger Suárez – left-handed starter (4-3, 3.15 ERA) – on the injured list with a groin strain; could be activated for the nightcap.
- Dean Kremer – right-handed starter for Baltimore (1-2, 4.15 ERA) – scheduled for the day game.
- Kyle Bradish – right-handed starter for Baltimore (6-9, 3.61 ERA) – slated for the nightcap.
- Willson Contreras – Red Sox first baseman – vocal about the team’s energy.
Timeline
- April 25–May 10, 1946 – Original Red Sox franchise record of 15 straight wins.
- July 5 – Ranger Suárez last pitched before a groin strain.
- July 11 – Kyle Bradish recorded a 6-1 home win over the Kansas City Royals.
- July 21 – Red Sox secured their 14th consecutive win, a 6-5 victory over Baltimore.
Data & Statistics
- Winning streak: 14 straight victories (Boston 51-48 overall).
- Red Sox relievers: MLB-best ERA 3.09; second-best WHIP 1.17 (behind Atlanta).
- Starting pitchers:
- Jake Bennett 5-3, 2.35 ERA.
- Dean Kremer 1-2, 4.15 ERA.
- Kyle Bradish 6-9, 3.61 ERA.
- Historical context: The 2021 Cardinals hold the most recent 15-plus win streak (17 straight). Boston is the only team this season with a +53 run differential over a 21-game span (19-2 or better).
Official Statements & Responses
Interim manager Chad Tracy said the team must monitor Suárez’s health before deciding on his role in the nightcap, emphasizing a “wait and see” approach. Baltimore manager Craig Albernaz noted that rookie catcher Samuel Basallo remains sidelined with a sore right shoulder and that starter Adley Rutschman is on the 10-day injured list with wrist inflammation. Both clubs confirmed the revised schedule and starter assignments through MLB communications.
On-the-Ground Reports
Fans expressed a mix of excitement and frustration. One supporter who traveled from Miami described being turned away at the gate when the rainout was announced, while another longtime attendee praised the “electric” atmosphere despite the delay. The crowd’s anticipation reflects the potential franchise-record performance.
What’s Next
If Boston wins both games of the doubleheader, the team will set a new franchise record with 16 consecutive victories. The Red Sox are slated to host the Toronto Blue Jays for a three-game series beginning Friday, keeping them in contention for an American League wild-card spot as the season progresses toward the trade deadline.
