It was not too long ago when fans were wondering which players the Boston Red Sox would trade away at the trade deadline, but now Boston fans are thinking about what October will bring.
The team went 21-4 in July and has yet to lose a game in August. Craig Breslow made some key additions at the trade deadline, and they have their sights set on passing the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays to win the division. They have won nine straight series, marking the first time since 1912 that a Red Sox team has done that, per Elias Sports Bureau.
Dating back to July 3, the team has not lost a series. Their last series loss came against the Washington Nationals, right before their 15-game win streak that saved the season. They have beat the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox twice, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Mets, Baltimore Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays, Athletics and Los Angeles Dodgers in consecutive series.
They have swept all but the Orioles, A's and Blue Jays. They will go for a second straight sweep of the Chicago White Sox on Thursday.
The Red Sox are a runaway train right now, and might be the favorites to win a very weak American League. Their underperforming hitters from early in the year have woken up, and the pitching has been sensational. Brayan Bello has been a revelation out of the bullpen, and Jake Bennett has emerged as a stellar starter.
Roman Anthony and Garrett Crochet are both taking steps toward a return, and new catcher Adley Rutschman should come off the injured list soon. Everything is shaping up for a deep run in October. It's worth noting that the last time the team won nine straight series, in 1912, they also won the World Series.