Despite recently enduring a five-game losing streak, and posting the worst team ERA since the All-Star break, the playoffs remain an almost inexplicable possibility for the Red Sox.
With the 12-3 win over the Orioles on Monday, Boston is now just three games back from the final American League wild card spot.
It’s an astonishing state of affairs for anyone who has watched what could only be described as an imperfect team over the last few weeks (Boston also currently leads the league with 105 errors committed). As he surveyed the situation on Monday night, Red Sox manager Alex Cora provided a perfect summary.