Red Sox Win Streak Reaches 13 Games in 6-1 Victory Over Tampa Bay

Willson Contreras hit a 414-foot home run and Sonny Gray improved to 12-1 as Boston tied its second-longest Red Sox win streak in franchise history.

The Boston Red Sox defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-1 on Sunday to secure their 13th consecutive victory. This current Red Sox win streak now stands as the second-longest in franchise history, equaling a 13-game stretch achieved in July 1948. The club record remains 15 straight wins, a mark established in June 1946. Sonny Gray earned his 12th win of the season against one loss, pitching six innings while surrendering just one run and five hits. Gray recorded five strikeouts and issued four walks during the contest, marking his ninth consecutive quality start. The right-hander has maintained a consistent run of form, having not allowed more than three runs in any appearance since April 14.

Scoring Breakdown and Early Innings

Tampa Bay took an initial 1-0 lead in the second inning when Victor Mesa Jr. connected for an inside-the-park home run. Boston responded immediately in the bottom of the same frame as Andruw Monasterio drove in a run with an RBI double to tie the game. The Red Sox took control in the third inning, scoring three runs without recording a single hit. Jahmai Jones crossed the plate on a passed ball to give Boston the lead. Wilyer Abreu then scored on a fielder's choice following a defensive error by Junior Caminero. Caminero’s throw struck Abreu in the back during a slide into home plate, an errant play that allowed all runners to remain safe. Romy Gonzalez capped the three-run outburst by grounding out, which allowed Willson Contreras to score from third base and extend the lead to 4-1.

Contreras Homers and Pitching Stats

Willson Contreras provided the final margin of victory in the fifth inning by hitting a two-run home run on the first pitch of his at-bat. The blast traveled 414 feet to the triangle area located in Fenway Park's center field. On the mound for the Rays, starter Shane McClanahan fell to an 8-6 record after pitching five innings. McClanahan was charged with six runs, four of which were earned, while giving up five hits. He finished his outing with three strikeouts and three walks.

Historical Context of the Streak

By reaching 13 straight wins, the current roster has matched the performance of the 1948 squad. They now sit only two games behind the all-time franchise peak of 15 wins set 78 years ago. Gray’s performance was central to the victory, as he navigated through nine baserunners to limit the Rays to a single run. The Boston offense capitalized on five hits and disciplined baserunning to overcome the early deficit created by Mesa Jr.’s home run. The victory ensures the Red Sox win streak continues into the next series as they chase the 1946 record.