Red Sox Struggle in Close Games to Start 2026 Season

Lingering issues with relief pitching, clutch hitting, and defense plague Boston early on.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:36pm

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The Boston Red Sox, who won 89 games and made the playoffs last year, have struggled in one-run games to start the 2026 season, going 0-3 in such contests. This has accounted for half of their 2-6 record so far, as they continue to be plagued by problems in their bullpen, clutch hitting, and defense - all areas that hurt them in close games during the 2025 season as well.

Why it matters

The Red Sox's inability to win close games has been an ongoing issue for the team, dating back to their 23-27 record in one-run games last season. This trend is concerning as these tight contests often come down to the performance of a team's relief pitching, timely hitting, and defense - all areas where Boston has struggled early on in 2026.

The details

Red Sox relievers have a 3.60 ERA to start the year, but their underlying metrics like a 5.78 xERA and 5.42 FIP suggest they've been getting lucky. The lineup is also batting just .167 with runners in scoring position and .208 in late and close situations. Defensively, the Red Sox have the fifth-most errors and sixth-worst fielding percentage in baseball.

  • The Red Sox went 23-27 in one-run games during the 2025 regular season.
  • Boston lost Game 2 of the 2025 AL Wild Card Series to the Yankees by one run, ultimately losing the series.
  • The Red Sox are 0-3 in one-run games to start the 2026 season.

The players

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts that plays in the American League East division.

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The takeaway

The Red Sox's inability to win close games has been a persistent issue, dating back to their struggles in one-run contests last season. If they want to turn their disappointing start around, Boston will need to shore up their bullpen, improve their clutch hitting, and tighten up their defense in order to start flipping some of these narrow losses into wins.