The Red Sox beat the Rays 4-1 to enter the 2025 All-Star break on a 10-game win streak, led by Ceddanne Rafaela's homer and Trevor Story's historic steal.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just sit back and soak it in, Red Sox Nation. As baseball pauses for the Midsummer Classic, our Boston Red Sox are officially the hottest team on the planet. Capping a dominant stretch with a 4-1 victory to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays, the Sox have rattled off 10 consecutive wins—their longest streak since the 2018 championship season. They head into the break firmly in the AL East hunt, brimming with confidence and playing their best baseball of the year.
Trevor Story became the first Red Sox player since Jacoby Ellsbury in 2008 to start a season 16-for-16 in stolen base attempts.
The Fenway Park crowd was buzzing on Sunday, and the team delivered a fitting finale before the break. Brayan Bello was masterful, carving up the Rays for 6 1/3 innings of one-run ball, striking out five without issuing a single walk. The offense provided the punctuation, with Ceddanne Rafaela launching a go-ahead two-run homer—his 14th of the year—in the sixth inning. Not to be outdone, All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side for his 17th save and sending the team into their break on the highest of notes.
While Rafaela played the hero, Trevor Story was the engine. His go-ahead RBI single got the scoring started, but his real history was made on the basepaths. By swiping his 16th bag of the season, Story remained perfect, becoming the first Sox player since Jacoby Ellsbury in 2008 to start a year 16-for-16. His all-around excellence, combined with the seamless return of All-Star Alex Bregman (.299 AVG, .938 OPS) from the IL on July 11, has solidified the infield as a major team strength heading into the second half.
The front office has been busy ensuring the big league club has what it needs. The activation of Bregman and RHP Hunter Dobbins saw David Hamilton and Isaiah Campbell optioned to Worcester. Meanwhile, RHP Richard Fitts was recalled for pitching depth and catcher Blake Sabol was traded to the White Sox. Unfortunately, the good news of Dobbins' activation was short-lived, as he landed on the 15-day IL with a heartbreaking right ACL tear. He joins a lengthy list of injured pitchers, with key setup men Liam Hendriks and Justin Slaten not expected back until August at the earliest.
You don't win 10 straight games without incredible clubhouse chemistry, and the vibes are immaculate right now. Following the sweep, social media was flooded with celebratory posts. Rafaela thanked the fans for their energy after his clutch home run, and Trevor Story posted a video of the jubilant clubhouse celebration. It's clear this team isn't just winning; they're having a blast doing it, feeding off the energy of the Fenway Faithful and each other.
The All-Star break couldn't have come at a better time for the red-hot Red Sox. It's a chance to rest, get key arms like Zack Kelly closer to a return, and mentally prepare for a brutal second-half schedule. With the Yankees and Blue Jays in their sights, this 10-game heater wasn't just a fun run; it was a statement. The Sox are legitimate contenders, and the push for the AL East crown is about to get very, very interesting.
