Red Sox try to explain this historic 14-game win streak: ‘Like a snake shedding its skin’ - The Boston Globe

What the report says

The Boston Globe reported that the Boston Red Sox stretched their winning streak to 14 games with a 6-5 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Monday night, moving to 51-48 and within one win of matching the franchise-record streak set by the 1946 club. The turnaround has been dramatic: the Globe noted that Boston had the American League’s worst record after play on June 24 and trailed the Yankees by 15½ games, but has since won 19 of 21 to climb into playoff position.

In the latest win, Caleb Durbin’s two-out home run to left in the eighth inning provided the deciding run. The Globe also highlighted contributions across the roster during the surge, including three hits and two RBIs from Willson Contreras on Monday, eight saves from veteran closer Aroldis Chapman during the 19-2 run, and a 3-0 record with a 0.87 ERA from rookie lefthander Jake Bennett during the streak.

Players described the run as a mix of improved confidence, roster energy and clubhouse cohesion. Chapman pointed to a better atmosphere and newer players making an impact, while Masataka Yoshida said through a translator that the team was now playing closer to its ability. Yoshida has also been productive since June 25, going 15 for 42 with seven extra-base hits and eight RBIs, according to the Globe.

The Globe reported that some players believe travel problems after games in Denver and Chicago helped bind the group together. Reliever Justin Slaten said those disruptions contributed to a looser, more resilient mindset, comparing the team’s reset to “a snake shedding its skin.” The article also credited interim manager Chad Tracy, who previously managed many players in Triple A, with helping stabilize the club after coaching changes.