The Baltimore Orioles cruised to a 5-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox in the second meeting of a doubleheader on July 23, ending the Red Sox’ remarkable 15-game winning streak. The game was crucial to the momentum of the MLB season.
This remarkable winning streak represented the longest recorded in the major leagues since the performance of the St. Louis Cardinals, who reached 17 consecutive victories in 2021. An additional victory would have set a new franchise record for Boston, which had already equaled the mark of 15 consecutive victories set by the club in 1946, achieved in the first game of the doubleheader, with a score of 6-3. Boston’s last defeat had occurred on July 1, against Washington Nationals.
Pitcher Kyle Bradish (7-9) was instrumental in the victory, pitching six innings. During his performance, he allowed just one run and four hits, recording four strikeouts and conceding one base on balls. Relievers Yennier Cano, Andrew Kittredge and Tyler Wells kept the score at zero in one inning each, ensuring a favorable result for the Orioles, despite the low offensive performance of just one hit in nine chances with runners in scoring position. The Red Sox had their offense limited to five total hits.
On Boston’s side, starting pitcher Eduardo Rivera (0-1) had an early exit, being removed from the game after two strikeouts in the first inning. He allowed four runs and three hits, while also allowing two bases on balls. Brayan Bello took over in his place, with a performance of 5 1/3 innings without conceding runs and five strikeouts.
Boston Red Sox victory in the first meeting against the Baltimore Orioles
In the first match of the doubleheader, Ceddanne Rafaela contributed a home run and Jarren Duran was responsible for three runs batted in, ensuring Boston’s victory over Baltimore. This result allowed the team to equal the franchise’s record of 15 consecutive victories playing at home.
Boston starting pitcher Jake Bennett (6-3) pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up three runs and nine hits. Aroldis Chapman secured his 23rd save of 2026 and 390th of his career, pitching the ninth inning without conceding a score. With this feat, he reached ninth place on the all-time saves list, tying him with Dennis Eckersley.
For Baltimore, Dean Kremer (1-3) gave up six runs and eight hits in six innings. Ceddanne Rafaela, Caleb Durbin and Willson Contreras were highlights for the Red Sox, each with two hits, keeping the team ahead throughout the game.
Kansas City Royals beat San Francisco Giants to close series
Salvador Perez hit his 317th career home run, tying George Brett’s franchise mark, which powered an explosive five-run seventh inning for the Kansas City Royals. This comeback secured the victory and sweep of the three-game series against the San Francisco Giants. After being down 3-0 and with just two hits in six innings, the Royals responded in the seventh, scoring five runs against Landen Roupp and reliever Sam Hentges (1-3). Perez drove in the first two runs with a 437-foot home run, while Lane Thomas drove in the final two with a single.
Landen Roupp allowed two runs in six and a third innings, recording seven strikeouts. Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (4-6) allowed three runs and three hits in seven innings. Steven Cruz, meanwhile, overcame a solo home run by Casey Schmitt in the ninth inning for his first career save.
Pittsburgh Pirates overcome New York Yankees in the tenth inning of the first game
Jared Triolo drove in the decisive run with a tenth-inning single, securing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ victory over the New York Yankees in the first game of a home doubleheader. Pittsburgh, which reversed a three-run deficit, achieved its ninth victory in 13 games and began its third doubleheader of the month with this fightback against Fernando Cruz (4-4). Nick Gonzales, an automatic runner, advanced to third base after a high hit, and Cruz gave up a base on balls to Marcell Ozuna. Gonzales scored the run when Triolo hit a split fly ball that sailed through left field. The team expanded its lead when Billy Cook scored a run on Jake Mangum’s single to center field.
Mason Montgomery (3-3) threw two strikeouts in the ninth inning after completing the last out of the eighth. Gregory Soto got his 13th save in 18 chances, capping a perfect 10th inning and leaving automatic runner Amed Rosario at third base.
New York Yankees avoid sweep by winning game two against Pittsburgh Pirates
Max Fried made an exceptional return from injury, pitching five solid innings. Jasson Dominguez drove in the winning run with a double in the seventh inning, ensuring the New York Yankees avoided being swept by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the doubleheader. With this victory, the New York team achieved their seventh triumph in 10 games, escaping being swept at home in a doubleheader for the first time since May 22, 2022, when they faced the Chicago White Sox.
Max Fried, who had thrown just 52 balls in his only rehab start, was completely untested in his first major league appearance since May 13. During his 57-pitch performance, Fried recorded seven strikeouts and allowed one base on balls. The left-handed pitcher used seven different types of pitches, averaging 96 mph with his four-seam fastball and striking out the last 12 batters he faced.
Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia Phillies and close series
Max Muncy secured a decisive home run in the sixth inning, while Dalton Rushing and Tommy Edman each drove in three runs, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to victory in the final game of the three-game series in Philadelphia. Rushing also hit a home run, and left-hander Eric Lauer (5-5) gave up three runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings. Freddie Freeman and Edman contributed three hits each for the Los Angeles team. For the Phillies, Alec Bohm and Bryan De La Cruz hit home runs, but the team suffered its second consecutive series loss at home after halftime. Right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola (3-8) allowed five runs on seven hits in 5 1/3 innings.
Milwaukee Brewers beat New York Mets in tight game
Joey Ortiz, serving as the ninth hitter, was the highlight of the Milwaukee Brewers, driving in two runs with a double, accumulating three total hits and scoring twice, leading the team to victory over the New York Mets. Christian Yelich also contributed a run driven by a single in the second inning when Milwaukee scored three runs, and again with a triple in the sixth, securing the Brewers’ victory in the deciding game of the three-game series. The Milwaukee team has five wins in six games since the All-Star break. Pitcher Logan Henderson (4-1) surrendered two runs on five hits and matched his personal best with nine strikeouts in five innings, repeating the feat from his MLB debut on April 20, 2025, against the Athletics.
St. Louis Cardinals beat Los Angeles Angels in low-scoring game
JJ Wetherholt hit a lone home run and four St. Louis Cardinals pitchers joined forces to limit the opponent’s offense to seven hits, securing the team’s victory over the Los Angeles Angels. The victory, achieved in Anaheim, California, saved the final game of the three-game series. Hunter Dobbins (2-1) was the victor, giving up six hits in six innings and recording his sixth major league win. This result, the fifth in 15 games for the Cardinals, snapped a season-worst four-game losing streak for St. Louis. Wade Meckler and Josh Lowe each had two hits for the Los Angeles Angels, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.
Washington Nationals dominate Colorado Rockies with stretchy score
Luis Garcia Jr. contributed a home run, and Cade Cavalli pitched six solid innings, leading the Washington Nationals to victory over the Colorado Rockies in the final game of the series in Denver. Cavalli (7-4) allowed just four hits during his six innings. CJ Abrams was featured with four hits, while Jorbit Vivas, Nasim Nunez, Dylan Crews and Jose Tena finished with two hits each for Washington. The Nationals have a history of scoring seven or more runs in four of their last six games. For the Rockies, Jake McCarthy hit a double, extending his streak of reaching bases to 17, and Kyle Karros had a single and two bases on balls. Colorado ended its home series with a 2-4 record and committed three errors that resulted in two unearned runs.
Tampa Bay Rays overcome Toronto Blue Jays and secure third victory in the series
Griffin Jax pitched six innings effectively, contributing to the Tampa Bay Rays’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on the road, their third in the first three games of the four-game series. Jax (6-7) allowed just one run and three hits, consolidating the good start to the series for the Rays. Bryan Baker secured his 26th save of the season with a perfect ninth inning. Victor Mesa Jr. drove in two runs with a single for the Rays, who boast an 8-1 record against the Blue Jays this season. Alejandro Kirk hit a solo home run for the Blue Jays, who are 1-5 in their seven-game home run.
Detroit Tigers beat Chicago Cubs and end trip successfully
A three-run home run by Hao-Yu Lee, combined with a robust performance by starting pitcher Keider Montero, propelled the Detroit Tigers to a victory over the Chicago Cubs, concluding a successful road trip for the team. With that triumph, Detroit ended a four-win, two-game losing streak on the road, winning two of three games in Los Angeles against the Angels and then the same against the Cubs in the first two series after the All-Star break. Lee’s home run broke a 1-1 tie in the fourth inning, and Detroit’s bullpen secured the victory, keeping Chicago scoreless after the first inning. Montero (7-5) led that effort in his first start since June 26, allowing just one run in 5 1/3 innings.
Cincinnati Reds beat Seattle Mariners at home
Sal Stewart powered in a three-run home run in the seventh inning, securing the Cincinnati Reds’ victory over the Seattle Mariners at home. JJ Bleday also had an extended performance and Brady Singer (5-9) pitched 6 2/3 quality innings. With this result, the Reds won two of the three games in the interleague series, removing the Mariners from the lead in the American League West Division. Singer allowed three runs on six hits to earn his second consecutive win as a starter. Emerson Hancock had a solid performance for the Mariners, leaving after six innings with a 3-2 lead, having given up two runs on five hits.
Chicago White Sox beat Texas Rangers at home
Chase Meidroth had an impeccable performance, with four hits in four at-bats and two runs batted in, while Andrew Benintendi added two hits and two runs batted in. The Chicago White Sox overcame the Texas Rangers at home in Arlington to secure their third consecutive victory in the series. Left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay set the pace with five solid innings, before relievers Jordan Hicks, Grant Taylor and Bryan Hudson combined to strike out 12 of 13 batters faced, with eight strikeouts. Hudson pitched the ninth inning to earn his fourth save after Taylor recorded five strikeouts in two perfect innings. On the Rangers side, Tyler Alexander allowed one run and one hit in two innings as an opener, and Cal Quantrill (3-3) suffered the loss after giving up two runs and two hits in three innings.
Arizona Diamondbacks have best offensive performance of the season against Oakland Athletics
The Arizona Diamondbacks recorded their best offensive performance of the season by beating the Oakland Athletics at home in Phoenix to secure the deciding game of the three-game series. Nine Diamondbacks players got hits, and the team hit season highs in runs, hits (17) and home runs (five). Arizona also celebrated major milestones, with catcher James McCann (3 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 RBIs) hitting his 100th career home run in the fifth inning. Soon after, rookie Ryan Waldschmidt (2 hits in 4 at-bats, 3 RBIs) hit his first home run. Gabriel Moreno hit a solo home run to end the fifth inning, in which the Diamondbacks scored seven runs. The Athletics, meanwhile, are 2-13 in their last 15 games, with starting pitcher Gage Jump (3-6) giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings and eight hits.
Minnesota Twins overcome Cleveland Guardians and end losing streak
Brooks Lee contributed a three-run home run and drove in four total, while Trevor Larnach added an early home run and three runs batted in, helping the Minnesota Twins end a four-game losing streak with a home win over the Cleveland Guardians. Lee’s three-run homer came in the fourth inning as the Twins scored four runs to take a 7-3 lead against Guardians starting pitcher Slade Cecconi (4-7). Travis Adams (2-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings. In the four previous games, all away from home, the Twins had conceded 34 runs and scored just 9. José Ramírez, a seven-time All-Star, had two hits, drove in two runs and scored one in his return with Cleveland from a fractured hamate bone in his left leg. The third baseman has been on the injured list since June 13, when he fractured his wrist against the Detroit Tigers.
Atlanta Braves secure narrow victory over San Diego Padres
Rookie Jim Jarvis sparked a six-run comeback in the eighth inning with a one-out double, and the Atlanta Braves held on for the win against the San Diego Padres. The win gave the Braves a 2-1 lead in the four-game series. Atlanta starting pitcher Martin Perez was reactivated before the game and made his first starting appearance since July 5, when he went on the injured list after being hit in the left forearm by a hit. He pitched four innings without conceding runs, allowing just one hit. For San Diego, starting pitcher Michael King completed six innings, giving up just one run on five hits, maintaining a record of just one run allowed in each of his last three starts.
Houston Astros sweep Miami Marlins with decisive home run
Yordan Alvarez hit his 34th home run in the eighth inning, a game-tying two-run hit that gave the Houston Astros victory over the Miami Marlins to sweep the three-game interleague series. Álvarez hit a home run for the third time in the series, leading the big leagues in that category. He drove the run after Jeremy Pena’s single in the top of the inning with an opposite-field home run off Marlins right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara (10-6) that broke a 2-2 tie and resulted in Miami’s ninth consecutive loss. Alcantara allowed five runs on nine hits in seven and a third innings. Astros starting pitcher Peter Lambert struggled in the first inning, throwing 25 pitches, and allowed two runs on six hits over six innings.
