When the Boston Red Sox were scuffling in the first half of the season, their poor performance in one-run games was a major reason why.
The Red Sox lost 17 of their first 23 one-run games, contributing to their sub-.500 record into early July. While a lot of that had to do with bad luck and their struggles in extra innings, it also reflected a young team that appeared to tighten up during big moments.
Early on, Boston kept finding ways to lose close games with poor baserunning, defensive mistakes and mediocre at-bats, often unraveling in the late innings. Through the end of June, the club was 42-44 despite posting a plus-17 run differential.
Fortunately, the Red Sox have played much better in close games over the last few months, seeming to put those issues behind them. Coming off back-to-back 3-2 victories over the Baltimore Orioles, they’ve now gone 14-7 in their last 21 one-run games, helping them climb to second place in the American League East and a season-high 15 games over .500.
While some regression to the mean was inevitable (teams typically go roughly .500 in one-run games), Boston is also a more confident and polished team now than it was earlier in the season. The Red Sox are pitching better, playing better defense and hitting better during clutch situations as their younger players have matured and improved.
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Boston’s shutdown bullpen has also played a huge role in one-run games. Since June 10, Red Sox relievers have the third-best ERA (3.11) in baseball and the top mark in the American League. Aroldis Chapman, Garrett Whitlock and Steven Matz have been untouchable, turning narrow losses into narrow wins.
Boston needs to keep it up if it wants to finish the season strong and go far in the postseason. Games are won and lost on the margins in October, and a few close games could be the difference between winning a championship and going home early.
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Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
