Sports
Published Jul 20, 2026Updated Jul 226
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Red Sox Tie 1948 Record with 13th Straight Win, Eye Division Contention
The Boston Red Sox extended their winning streak to 13 games with a 6-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays, tying the franchise record from 1948. The team has dramatically reversed a dismal early-season record, winning 18 of their last 20 games and moving into playoff position as they prepare to face the streaking Baltimore Orioles.
Quick Facts
- Red Sox defeated Rays 6-1
- Extended winning streak to 13 games
- Completed four-game sweep of Rays
- Gray recorded ninth consecutive quality start
- Contreras hit two-run homer
The Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Sunday to extend their winning streak to 13 games, tying the franchise record set in 1948. The victory completed a four-game sweep of the division-leading Rays and marked the ninth consecutive quality start for pitcher Sonny Gray, who allowed one run and five hits over six innings. Willson Contreras contributed a two-run home run in the fifth inning.
The Red Sox's turnaround has been dramatic. After a 32-46 record and sitting 15.5 games out of first place in early July, the team compiled an 18-2 record following that point and now sits at 50-48 overall. They currently occupy the third Wild Card spot, just one game behind Cleveland for the second wild card and four games behind the Yankees for the top seed. The Rays, despite the sweep, remain in first place in the AL East, six games ahead of Boston.
The winning streak ranks as the second-longest in Red Sox history, behind only the 15-game run in June 1946. The club will have the opportunity to break the 1948 record this week, hosting the Baltimore Orioles—who have won seven straight games themselves—in a three-game series at Fenway Park, followed by three games against the Toronto Blue Jays. With the August 3 trade deadline approaching, the renewed competitiveness has shifted expectations for multiple AL East teams potentially remaining in playoff contention down the stretch.
Topics
Why This Matters
The Red Sox's 13-game winning streak positions them in playoff contention (currently third wild card, four games behind Yankees for first seed) with 30 games remaining in the regular season. Playoff positioning directly affects postseason revenue, team valuations, and player contract negotiations; their performance through the August 3 trade deadline will influence AL East competitive dynamics and potential deadline acquisitions. Breaking the 1948 franchise record and maintaining momentum through matchups against other winning teams (Orioles on 7-game streak, Blue Jays) carries measurable stakes for league standings and fan/sponsor engagement.
Related Signals
Sources
- Boston Red Sox Baltimore Orioles Winning Streaks 26593a9893b42f4812b798d706aa2c01apWireJul 20, 2026
- Red Sox rout Rays for their first 13-game win streak since 1948MLB.comMediaJul 20, 2026
- Red Sox hit historic 13-game winning streakYahoo SportsMediaJul 20, 2026
- Scorching-hot Red Sox rout Rays for 13th straight victoryESPNMediaJul 20, 2026
- Red Sox ride 13-game win streak to a wild card spot, Shohei Ohtani puts pitching on hold & Blue Jays get a reality checkYahoo SportsMediaJul 20, 2026
- MLB Power Rankings: When did the AL East turn into a real race? Plus, a surprise contender heating up againCBS SportsMediaJul 20, 2026