Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-1 on July 14, 2025, extending their win streak to 10 games behind Bello & Rafaela. See how they did it!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Break out the brooms and get ready for the break. The Boston Red Sox are officially the hottest team in baseball, capping a perfect homestand by sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays with a 4-1 victory on Monday. The win extends their incredible winning streak to 10 games as they head into a much-deserved All-Star break, riding a wave of momentum not seen at Fenway since their 2018 championship season.
'Tremendously locked in.' - Romy Gonzalez, whose words have become the team's official mantra.
The Fenway faithful were treated to another masterclass on Monday. Brayan Bello was surgical on the mound, carving up the Rays' lineup for 6 1/3 innings while allowing just a single run and, crucially, no walks. The offense, quiet early, exploded in the sixth inning. Trevor Story delivered a clutch go-ahead single, and Ceddanne Rafaela followed with a towering two-run shot, his 14th of the year, to break the game open. The inning also featured a bizarre obstruction call on Rays third baseman Junior Caminero that allowed Marcelo Mayer to score, proving that when you're hot, even the strange plays go your way. All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side for his 17th save and sending the team into the break on the highest of notes.
What's the secret sauce behind this 10-game heater? It's more than just good pitching and timely hitting. The clubhouse chemistry is palpable, fueled by a blend of veteran leadership and exuberant young talent. The team's new unofficial slogan, 'Tremendously locked in,' a quote from infielder Romy Gonzalez, has become a symbol of their collective focus. Players have been spotted all over social media and at the ballpark wearing T-shirts with the phrase, a testament to the unity and single-minded purpose that has propelled them from mediocrity to third place in the AL East with a 53-45 record.
While the on-field product is thriving, the front office and training staff have been busy. The team recently welcomed Alex Bregman back from the IL and traded catcher Blake Sabol to the White Sox. Unfortunately, the injury front is a mixed bag. While Zack Kelly (oblique) is nearing a return, the news is less optimistic for key bullpen arms. Liam Hendriks suffered a setback with his hip inflammation and is seeking a second opinion, pushing his potential return to late summer. Justin Slaten (shoulder) and Luis Guerrero (elbow) also remain sidelined with no clear timetables, a challenge the team must navigate in the second half.
As the players head off for a few days of rest and All-Star festivities, Red Sox Nation can finally breathe and believe. This 10-game streak isn't a fluke; it's the sign of a team that has found its identity. The challenge now is to maintain this 'tremendously locked in' focus after the break and continue their climb up the AL East standings. The second half is shaping up to be a thrilling ride.
