BOSTON (AP) — The last time the Boston Red Sox won 15 straight games, Ted Williams was putting up an MVP season in 1946 and leading them to an American League championship.
On Wednesday, the Red Sox matched that streak from 80 years ago, beating the Baltimore Orioles 6-3 in the opener of a doubleheader.
“I’ve read some stuff. I know Ted Williams was around back then, so I’m aware of the year and how long it's been,” interim manager Chad Tracy said. “It’s cool that they’ve accomplished something great.”
When it was over, the Red Sox took a little more time than usual on the field to soak it in as The Standells' song “Dirty Water” played in the background like it does after each victory in Fenway Park.
They also enjoyed the moment in the clubhouse.
“Oh, yeah, absolutely between the staff. We were realizing the guys were going crazy in the locker room — they always do — but even more emphasis right now with what we’re going through,” Tracy said. “Everybody enjoys it for sure.”
Boston fired manager Alex Cora after a 10-17 start and seemed to be in for a long season under Tracy. The Red Sox were 37-48 and last in the AL East on July 1.
They haven't lost since.
Tracy is the first manager since the 19th century to lead a team to a win streak of 15 games or more who didn't start the season in the job, according to MLB.
Boston took a 4-0 lead over Baltimore in the first inning, and starter Jake Bennett held the Orioles to three runs over 5 2/3 innings.
With a 6-3 lead after six innings, Caleb Durbin, who hit a tiebreaking homer in Monday's win over Baltimore, started thinking about how many outs were left.
“I think in the seventh inning I’m counting them down a little bit,” he said, smiling.
After the final out, left fielder Jarren Duran said he was able to appreciate the cheering crowd when he met with center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela and right fielder Wilyer Abreu.
“When I get to go see (them), I take a look around and I get to enjoy that moment, that’s always fun,” he said.
With the organization in its 126th season, the streak has more meaning for some.
“You look back at it and think about where you’re doing it and how long this franchise has existed. It’s been incredible,” Durbin said. “It feels great. One win closer to 16 to break it. I’m just glad we’ve got another one to play today.”
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz, who grew up watching the Red Sox about 45 miles away in Fall River, Massachusetts, showed his respect.
“I mean, a 15-game heater is really impressive,” he said. “You know, its tough to win one game in the big leagues and them going 15 straight, it’s really impressive.”
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Boston Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman is congratulated by catcher Connor Wong after they defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox's Jarren Duran, right, celebrates with Willson Contreras after they defeated the Baltimore Orioles in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Boston Red Sox outfielders celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles in the first baseball game of a doubleheader, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Torrential rains caused flash floods in West Virginia that inundated homes and businesses, washed out bridges and led to numerous water rescues. The state's governor said that some residents were unaccounted for as search operations continued Wednesday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey sent hundreds of National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state and declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night. The state Division of Natural Resources has been involved in 85 rescues, he said, and 19 National Guard and state police helicopters were either out on rescue missions or standing by if needed.
Three shelters were opened Wednesday that housed a total of more than 100 residents, the governor said at a news conference.
Asked if anyone was unaccounted for, Morrisey replied: “We don’t have an exact number but we are concerned about fatalities,” adding that “as soon as we have more information” officials will provide details.
“This is a time for West Virginians to come together to do everything possible, not only to pray for all those who are affected, but we’re going to need a lot of help in the days and weeks ahead,” he said. “Let’s help these communities rebuild.”
Lars Dalseide, Morrisey’s communications director, said in an email Wednesday night that “any specific information related to the flooding will only be released after established procedures are followed and the relevant facts are verified to ensure accuracy.”
Sgt. 1st Class Ariana Shuemake, the West Virginia National Guard’s public affairs officer, referred questions on whether there were any deaths to the governor's office.
Emails seeking similar information weren’t immediately returned by West Virginia Department of Homeland Security spokesman Andy Malinoski and the heads of the Lewis and Upshur county offices of emergency management.
Forecasters said up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain fell. Morrisey said some places received 4.5 inches (11.4 centimeters) in 37 minutes.
“There’s no place for the water to go,” he said.
Video and photos on social media showed submerged vehicles in parking lots, including at a Walmart in Weston where muddy water surged far into the store. Across a nearby highway, a hotel’s main floor was inundated.
Emergency crews reported dozens of rescues of people stuck in submerged vehicles. However, some rescuers were unable to get to locations where floodwaters had cut off access.
Officials in some communities were still waiting for floodwaters to recede Wednesday before figuring out where the public can drop off donated supplies. Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner said one such place will be West Virginia Wesleyan College.
“This is heartbreaking,” Skinner said. “This is not something you want to see in your hometown. But we will get past it. We will get through it.”
The heavy rains were part of wide-ranging storms — which also produced reports of tornadoes — stretching from the Cincinnati area across New Jersey to the New York City suburbs. Damage from a possible tornado was reported in the area of St. Marys and Belmont in West Virginia.
The ground was already saturated after storms dumped more than 2 inches (5 centimeters) of rain throughout the state on Saturday.
Although the rain had cleared out Wednesday, flood warnings remained in several counties for low-lying areas and areas near rivers and creeks. Flood watches were posted for a large swath from eastern Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.
Emergency service communication channels buzzed with activity late Tuesday night in West Virginia’s Lewis and Upshur counties, which have about 40,000 residents combined. First responders performed water rescues Tuesday night into Wednesday, Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Quinn Queen said.
“The devastation across our county is extensive,” she said in a social media post.
Floodwaters forced the closure of portions of Interstate 79, U.S. Route 48 and numerous secondary roads. A sinkhole caused by the storm swallowed a vehicle at a bar in Fayetteville.
Tuesday’s storms occurred a decade after 23 people died when heavy rains fell for hours over the same areas.
Data from a U.S. Geological Survey water gauge showed one creek tributary, Sand Run, rose to a record level near Buckhannon, topping the mark set during a November 1985 flood event that resulted in 47 deaths statewide.
Associated Press writer Dave Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.
Damage and debris outside of a home after severe floods in Weston, W.Va., on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos)
Mud and debris near Stonecoal Creek in Horner, W.Va., after severe floods on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos)
An Aerial view shows extensive flooding in Buckhannon, W.Va., Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Office of West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey via AP)
An Aerial view shows extensive flooding in Buckhannon, W.Va., Wednesday, July 22, 2026. (Office of West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey via AP)
