The Boston Red Sox saw their impressive 10-game winning streak come to a halt as they faced challenges in their recent series against the Chicago Cubs. Starting pitchers have been particularly problematic, with a notably poor performance in the first inning. Luis Giolito and Brayan Bello both allowed early runs, contributing to a staggering 6.06 first-inning ERA, one of the worst in MLB. Historically, teams that fall behind after the first inning face a high likelihood of losing, and the Red Sox have struggled with a 16-34 record when allowing the first score.

To address their pitching woes, the Red Sox are reportedly eyeing a trade for left-handed pitcher JP Sears from the Oakland Athletics. Sears has excelled in first innings this season, boasting a remarkable 0.90 ERA, which could be a valuable asset for a team looking to improve early-game performance. With the trade deadline approaching, acquiring Sears may provide the stability Boston desperately needs on the mound.