MLB9 hours ago2 minute read

Red Sox Clinch Postseason Berth After Historic Regular Season Turnaround

The Boston Red Sox secured a wild card spot after a historic comeback, overcoming a massive deficit.

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An Improbable Postseason Berth

The Boston Red Sox are officially in the playoffs. Despite a 5-1 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in their final series game, Boston clinched a wild card spot when the Houston Astros lost 4-2 to the Atlanta Braves about an hour later.

The team celebrated at Tropicana Field with beer and champagne. "Stayin' Alive" played in the clubhouse. Left fielder Roman Anthony said, "We pretty much stayed alive when nobody else thought we could. Now here we are."

Shortly after the postseason spot was secured, players, coaches, and staff members gathered near the Tropicana Field mound to take a team photograph. Shortstop Trevor Story summed up the feeling. "I really don't care how we got in, as long as we got in," Story said.

Overcoming the Odds

On June 24, the Red Sox were 15 and a half games behind in the AL East with a 32-46 record. Since that date, they went 52-25 to secure their postseason spot. They are only the fourth team since 1903 to make the playoffs after falling 14 or more games under .500. Two of the previous three teams to do so reached the World Series, including the 1914 Boston Braves who won it.

Interim manager Chad Tracy helped guide the team through the turnaround. Tracy took over on April 26 after Alex Cora was dismissed, leading the team to a 74-55 record since.

First baseman Willson Contreras admitted the emotions of the achievement. "It's hard not to have some tears over this," Contreras said. He added that he wants the team to keep going because they have proven they can get hot and overcome big odds.

What it means for the next game

Cleveland Guardians at Boston Red Sox (MLB, Tue, 22 Sep): Boston Red Sox win 46%, Cleveland Guardians win 54%; projected score Boston Red Sox 4, Cleveland Guardians 4. Our safest pick: Red Sox +2.5.

Cleveland Guardians at Boston Red Sox (MLB, Wed, 23 Sep): Boston Red Sox win 46%, Cleveland Guardians win 54%; projected score Boston Red Sox 4, Cleveland Guardians 4. Our safest pick: Red Sox +2.5.