Red Sox's Aroldis Chapman Records Rare Four-Strikeout Inning Amid 17-Inning Hitless Streak

Boston Red Sox closer Aroldis Chapman, at age 37, continues to deliver one of the most dominant relief pitching performances in baseball history, highlighted by his rare achievement of striking out four batters in a single inning during a 7-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Chapman has not allowed a hit in 17 consecutive appearances, spanning 14⅔ innings, one of the longest such streaks since 1901, and has maintained an outstanding 0.98 ERA while amassing 81 strikeouts and only 14 walks over 55 innings this season. Despite a wild pitch that allowed a batter to reach base, Chapman closed out the game with his 29th save, demonstrating exceptional control and power with a mix of 100-plus mph fastballs and precise off-speed pitches. His manager, Alex Cora, praised the longevity and effectiveness of Chapman's performance, comparing him to elite relievers like Eric Gagne and noting the challenges hitters face against him in today's game. Chapman recently secured a $13.3 million contract for 2026, reflecting his value and continued elite status as a closer in MLB. This season, Chapman has been instrumental in the Red Sox's late-game success, breaking a losing streak and showcasing a rare combination of power, craftiness, and consistency.