It isn't enough to reverse the disappointing start, as Boston was officially eliminated from the postseason on Monday night, hours after they had already left the ballpark.
But it is enough to create enthusiasm heading into the offseason. The Red Sox are now in third place -- not fifth. They've won a season-high five games in a row. And if they can win four of their last five games, they will finish at .500, which seemed next to impossible even a couple of weeks back.
"I would love that," said catcher Blake Swihart, who clubbed two homers on Tuesday.