3 takeaways from Boston's split doubleheader that extended, then broke win streak

BOSTON -- The streak finally ended for the surging Red Sox at 15 games, just one shy of establishing a new franchise record.

This, after a day-night doubleheader in which Boston downed the Orioles, 6-3, in Game 1 to tie the 1946 squad’s streak that had served alone as the best in club history for 80 years.

But in Game 2, the Sox took a 5-1 defeat, marking their first loss since July 1 against the Nationals.

Here are some key takeaways from 18 innings at Fenway.

1. Bello in bulk

Boston’s chances of getting that 16th straight win took a big hit in the first inning when lefty Eduardo Rivera gave up four runs while only getting two outs. That gave Brayan Bello another chance to shine in bulk relief. Over 5 1/3 scoreless frames, Bello allowed four hits while walking one and striking out five.

Optioned to Triple-A Worcester after enduring a beating against the Orioles on June 4, Bello resurfaced on the Sunday before the All-Star break with two starters (Connelly Early and Ranger Suarez) on the 15-day injured list. Given Bello’s success while following an opener this season (0.77 ERA in six outings), it’s fair to wonder if the Red Sox might consider just keeping him in that role for the stretch run rather than optioning him back to Worcester.

Bello topped out at 98.4 mph on his sinker and averaged 96.5 mph, well above his season average of 94.9.

“I think I felt rested and fresh, so I think that's why the velocity was there,” said Bello.

2. Chapman ties Eck

Not only did closer Aroldis Chapman notch the save in Game 1 that gave the Red Sox that record-tying winning streak, but he tied Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley for ninth on the all-time saves list with No. 390. Fittingly, Eckersley was at Fenway watching, fulfilling his duties in the Legends Suite.

“I’ve seen what he does with his workouts and stuff,” Eckersley said. “He’s a master. It’s hard to throw strikes when you throw that hard. It’s impressive. He’s not afraid. This is a big market. Obviously, for me in Oakland, it was a little easier.”

3. Can Duran get back on track?

In the last three games, Red Sox left fielder Jarren Duran has made consistent solid contact, perhaps a sign he’s ready to get out of a slump that has lasted since the beginning of June. In Game 1 on Wednesday, Duran showed flashes of the best version of himself, ripping a triple into the corner in right field. After having double-digit seasons of triples in ‘24 and ‘25, this was just his third this season.

“I was a little exhausted. I haven't had a lot of those this year,” Duran said. “I kind of took my time getting up at third, and [third-base coach Chad Epperson] was like, ‘Are you OK?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, I'm just embracing this triple.’ You know, I haven't had one of those in a while, so it was fun to run the bases.”

In 94 games this season, Duran has a line of .190/.251/.342 with 28 walks and 118 strikeouts in 403 plate appearances. Duran is well aware of how far below expectations -- particularly his own -- he’s played.

“I've been obviously the worst player in baseball this entire year, and it's not hiding anywhere. It's been very obvious,” Duran said. “I'm just trying to keep my head down and support my teammates as much as I can. I've been doing absolutely nothing and they've been picking me up, and I couldn't ask for a better team around me to be supporting me.”