The Red Sox are on another spectacular winning streak
The Red Sox opened the season about as on fire as a team can get. It set the tone for the season, but would it be an anomaly?
The Boston Red Sox have won ten games in row. It is the team’s third streak of eight games or more this season. They are also on their second 15-2 run of the 2018 campaign. The team opened the year going 17-2. It was a run that was lauded by analysts and pundits. Only four other teams had ever done it before, and two of them had won the World Series. But it was special because it was the opening of the season. If the team had gone on this run in June or, say, July, it would have been seen as a great run but not particularly noteworthy.
Sort of like the run they are on now. With two wins in their next two games, they would match that 17-2 season starter. And yet the focus is on the ten in a row, not the 15-2. It’s a nice example of how that run to begin the season was only quite that special because of when it happened. The New York Yankees also have a run of 17-2 this season, from April 21 through May 10. They have two eight game win streaks this season.
Additional record minutia.
More from Red Sox News
- Red Sox’ Moneyball-style offseason continues with Corey Kluber contract
- Rich Hill’s Red Sox departure puts him within striking distance of unique MLB record
- Red Sox offseason takes another nasty hit with Nathan Eovaldi departure
- Why Red Sox fans should be rooting for Carlos Correa’s Mets deal to go through
- Red Sox exec claims Mookie Betts loss changed management style, but actions say otherwise
Beyond the two 15-2 (or better) runs, the team has some other records worth noting. The Red Sox have won 22 of the 29 blowouts they have been a part of. Their run differential in such games is +109. That makes up the bulk of the +162 on the season, which ranks second to the Houston Astros at +180. The team is also 14-8 in one-run games with a run differential of +6. The Red Sox are 15-11 against likely playoff teams so far. And, as usual, they are playing well in inter-league games, going 7-1 so far.
They are a slightly better team at home going 32-12 vs 34-17 on the road. Their run differentials are +88 and +74 respectively. Their worst record for a month has been May at 18-11. The team is currently on pace for 112.5 wins on the season, which would be the fourth most ever. Their continued excellence has put them in a position where they are as close to a lock for the playoffs as it can get before the trade deadline. Even still, Yankees are nipping at their heels and don’t look likely to fall off any time soon. Holding off that juggernaut for a third straight division title would be a monumental feat. The second half of the season is shaping up to be one of the great all time finishes, so strap in.
Next: Does Mookie Betts deserve a dusting?
Have any thoughts on the Red Sox record to date? Do you think they can hold off the Yankees for the division? Will they finally make some headway in the playoffs this October? Let us know in the comments!