The Red Sox Haven’t Lost a Game Since

The Boston Red Sox are the team of the moment in Major League Baseball. Yesterday, they won their twelfth straight game by defeating the Tampa Bay Rays 7-6.

Wilyer Abreu once again made his mark by hitting two home runs for the second straight game. The Sox's right fielder is literally on fire, now with 15 home runs to his credit.

Boston scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning to clinch the win. The day before, they had swept a doubleheader against those same Rays. These wins are crucial, as they allow the Red Sox to gain ground in the American League East, which is led by the Tampa Bay team.

Chad Tracy's team is now seven games behind the Rays and holds the final playoff spot as the best second-place team. It's quite a turnaround for a team that spent most of the season in last place in its division.

It's hard to pinpoint the “Tracy effect,” since the positive results didn't materialize immediately after Alex Cora's firing. There are a multitude of small factors that explain the team's current success. The offense suddenly started to click, while the pitchers, as a group, pulled together. The pieces of the puzzle have fallen into place.

We're now talking about a team that will be on the buying side rather than the selling side when the trade deadline rolls around.

Note: The Red Sox needed only six hits to beat the Rays yesterday. This proves that this offense is well-balanced and can capitalize on opportunities when the time is right.

Willson Contreras didn't get a hit in yesterday's win, but he is, in my opinion, the spark plug of the lineup. His enthusiasm and offensive production since the start of the season make him the team's current leader. The first baseman has never lost hope in his teammates despite some tough times, collectively speaking.

Sonny Gray, today's starting pitcher, is also a key factor in the team's success. His 11-1 record and 2.54 ERA place him in an enviable category among the league's pitchers. Also, Aroldis Chapman has returned to being the intimidating reliever of his prime and has begun racking up saves at a more consistent pace.

It's great to see the Sox performing at a high level again and stepping up at a time when it's crucial to play quality baseball. The Red Sox's resurgence isn't good news for Blue Jays fans, who are still hoping for a turnaround from their own team in a race that will, hopefully, remain exciting until the very end.

• A strong start for Tarik Skubal.

• The Blue Jays won (1-0) yesterday.

• Blake Snell is nearing a return.

• Aaron Civale in Chicago.

• The Mets will have to find playing time for him.

Created by humans, assisted by AI.