The Boston Red Sox entered this week in desperate need of a vibe shift. Tuesday's 6-1 loss to the Texas Rangers was the team's fifth in its last six games, dropping its record back below .500 at 18-19.

With runners on second and third and two outs in the bottom of the seventh of a tie game, the Rangers elected to pitch to Bregman with first base open. Bregman — who’d already homered and doubled — made them regret the strategy, dumping a two-run single to left for the game-winning runs.

For how much the Red Sox have struggled of late, Wednesday had the makings of game that could propel them in the right direction.