Red Sox tie historic record with 15 consecutive wins; Ohtani takes a step toward his return

BOSTON. The Boston Red Sox tied the longest winning streak in franchise history this Wednesday by securing their 15th consecutive victory, after defeating the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 in the first game of a doubleheader played at Fenway Park.

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The team managed on an interim basis by Chad Tracy tied the mark set by the 1946 team and will look to set a new organization record in the second game of the doubleheader.

Boston took control of the game from the first inning with a four-run rally, fueled by a two-run RBI single from Caleb Durbin and a triple by Jarren Duran, who drove in two more runs.

Durán contributed again with a sacrifice fly in the third inning, while Ceddanne Rafaela hit his ninth home run of the season to extend the lead.

On the mound, rookie left-hander Jake Bennett earned the win after pitching 5.2 innings, allowing three runs and striking out four batters, despite giving up nine hits.

With this result, the Red Sox have won 20 of their last 22 games, a spectacular turnaround after occupying last place in the American League East Division on June 24. They currently remain in a wild card spot and are closing in on the fight for the division lead.

Boston’s streak becomes just the eighth of 15 or more consecutive wins in a single season since the Expansion Era (1961).

Ohtani advances in his recovery

In other Major League news, Shohei Ohtani held his first bullpen session in two weeks this Wednesday, throwing about 30 pitches as he continues to recover from persistent discomfort in his left knee.

The Los Angeles Dodgers coaching staff described the session as positive, although there is still no defined date for his return to the rotation.

Pitching coach Mark Prior indicated that the Japanese player “looked good” and that the team will evaluate his progress in the coming hours before deciding on the next steps.

For his part, manager Dave Roberts reiterated that the organization will not rush Ohtani’s return and will respect the recovery timeline of the star two-way player.

Before suffering the discomfort, Ohtani recorded an 8-2 record and a 1.79 ERA, establishing himself as one of the most dominant pitchers of the season.