On September 23, 2026, at Fenway Park, Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray delivered a stellar performance, pitching six scoreless innings and securing his 18th win of the season. This victory ties him with Philadelphia's Cristopher Sánchez for the major league lead in wins. (cbsnews.com)
Gray, 36, allowed only four singles, struck out three batters, and issued one walk, lowering his ERA to 2.72. His consistent performance positions him to become the fourth Red Sox pitcher since 2000 to lead the American League in victories, following Rick Porcello (2016), Josh Beckett (2007), and Curt Schilling (2004). (foxsports.com)
The game's sole run came in the sixth inning when Andruw Monasterio singled to drive in Jarren Duran, who had led off the inning with a single and advanced on a groundout. Aroldis Chapman closed the game by striking out the side in the ninth inning, earning his 35th save of the season. (cbsnews.com)
This win snapped the Cleveland Guardians' six-game winning streak and maintained their one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox atop the AL Central. The Guardians needed a win combined with a loss by either the Texas Rangers or Houston Astros to clinch a postseason berth, which did not materialize. (winnipegfreepress.com)
The Red Sox's victory was tempered by an injury to center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela, who left the game with right hamstring tightness after running out a single. Rafaela had just been activated from the injured list earlier that day after recovering from a right quad strain. (cbsnews.com)
Looking ahead, the Red Sox are set to conclude their series against the Guardians with left-hander Ranger Suárez (8-4, 3.27 ERA) slated to start the series finale on Thursday. The Guardians have yet to announce their starting pitcher for the game. (foxsports.com)