The Boston Red Sox have been on an incredible run lately, and their pitching staff is a major reason why.
Prior to Tuesday’s game against the Kansas City Royals, the Red Sox went 20-6 over their last 26 games dating back to July 4. Their 2.70 ERA during that span was the best in baseball.
According to J.P. Long, that’s the first time since 1978 that Boston won at least 20 games with an ERA of 2.70 or better during a 26-game stretch.
That puts the 2025 Red Sox in pretty good company. While the 1978 team ran out of gas down the stretch and ultimately missed the playoffs, it still won 99 games and was one of the best teams in franchise history.
Boston’s been getting outstanding production from its starters and relievers over the last month. Its rotation has the second-best ERA in MLB since July 4 at 2.91, just behind the Milwaukee Brewers at 2.90.
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Garrett Crochet, Brayan Bello and Lucas Giolito have all been terrific lately, forming a three-headed monster at the top of the rotation. Walker Buehler’s also been better after a rough first half, helping the Red Sox win four of his last five starts with a 4.00 ERA.
Meanwhile, the bullpen’s been even better with the second-best ERA in baseball during that span (2.30), behind only the San Diego Padres (1.95). Aroldis Chapman has been one of the best closers in baseball all season, and Garrett Whitlock has been phenomenal setting him up.
Put it all together, and Boston’s pitching staff is firing on all cylinders right now. It’s gotten even deeper, too, after adding Steven Matz and Dustin May at last week’s MLB Trade Deadline.
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If the Red Sox can stay healthy and keep throwing this well down the stretch, they’re going to be a problem in October, when good pitching becomes even more critical.
