Lucas Giolito Joins Red Sox Legends With Historic Hot Streak
Over the last month, Lucas Giolito has been phenomenal for the Boston Red Sox. In fact, he’s been historically great.
Giolito was dominant again on Wednesday, firing six shutout innings in a 10-2 win over the Colorado Rockies at Fenway Park. He scattered four hits, walked none and struck out six, throwing 63 of his 92 pitches for strikes in the series finale.
It was Giolito’s sixth straight of six-plus innings and two earned runs or less. He’s allowed just three earned runs in 38 2/3 innings (0.70 ERA) during that span, going 5-0 with 37 strikeouts and a 0.88 WHIP.
Giolito’s run is one of the best by a Red Sox pitcher in recent memory. Before him, the last four pitchers in club history with at least 35 innings pitched and an 0.70 ERA or better over a six-start stretch were Chris Sale (2018), Pedro Martinez (2002), Roger Clemens (1990-91) and Luis Tiant (1972).
Pretty good company.
It’s been an incredible turnaround for the 30-year-old right-hander, who got off to a slow start this season after missing all of last year due to elbow surgery. He didn’t make his season debut until April 30, and it took him about six weeks to shake off the rust and get his mechanics in sync.
He finally turned the corner in mid-June, and he’s been lights-out ever since, emerging as a legitimate co-ace alongside Garrett Crochet. The former All-Star has performed like one of the best pitchers in baseball, lowering his ERA from 6.42 to 3.36 while helping Boston surge into playoff contention.
Giolito won’t pitch again until after the All-Star Break, so he’ll look to pick up where he left off when he returns. Hopefully the extra rest doesn’t disrupt his momentum heading into the second half, but if anyone’s earned a little time off, it’s him.