When Aroldis Chapman, the fire‑breathing closer for the Boston Red Sox, entered the ninth inning of the September 28, 2025 game in West Sacramento, California, he was still riding a historic 50‑batter, 17‑appearance hitless streak that dated back to July 23.
The Oakland Athletics weren’t about to let a 100.2 mph fastball seal their fate. After Shea Langeliers, the A’s catcher, led off the ninth with a double, the streak cracked and the stage was set for a dramatic finish.
Game Summary and Turning Point
Oakland jumped to an early lead when rookie Nick Kurtz smashed a 357‑foot solo shot in the second inning, his 30th of the season. The blast not only nudged the A’s ahead 2‑1 but also placed Kurtz in elite company – only Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire have ever reached the 30‑home‑run mark as an A’s rookie.
Boston answered back, tying things at 4‑4 by the eighth. With two outs and a full count, Chapman tossed his signature 100.2 mph heater to Lawrence Butler, the A’s right‑field outfielder, who drove a single to left‑center for the winning RBI. The walk‑off sealed a 5‑4 victory and snapped Chapman’s iron‑clad streak.
Historic Hitless Streak Ends
Chapman’s run without allowing a hit stretched over 17 consecutive appearances – the third‑longest in Major League Baseball history since 1901. Only the Miami Marlins’ Randy Choate, who went 20 games hitless in 2011, and the New York Mets’ Tim Byrdak, with an 18‑game streak in 2012, are longer.
“I felt the heat the whole time,” Chapman admitted in the post‑game interview. “When the ball finally landed, it was a relief and a reminder that even the best can be beat.”
Chapman entered the contest with a sparkling 0.98 ERA for the season, a stat that had Boston fans dreaming of postseason glory. The abrupt end to his streak, however, underscored the thin line between dominance and vulnerability in baseball’s high‑stakes closing role.
Nick Kurtz’s Rookie Power Surge
Kurtz’s 30th homer of the season made headlines across the league. At 22, the left‑handed slugger joined an exclusive list of A’s rookies who have cracked the 30‑home‑run barrier, a group that includes Canseco’s 33 in 1986 and McGwire’s 49 in 1987. "I just swing for the fences," Kurtz laughed when asked about his power. "The ball just seems to stay out there for me."
His season totals now sit at 30 homers, 92 RBIs, and a .272 batting average – numbers that have analysts debating whether a full‑time role in the lineup is warranted. Former A’s scout Maria Alvarez noted, "Kurtz’s approach is old‑school: he looks for the pitch he can drive. If he keeps this consistency, he could be an everyday left‑handed bat for years."
Red Sox’s Walk‑Off Woes in 2025
Boston’s loss marked the team’s 12th walk‑off defeat of the 2025 season, a league‑leading figure that has ignited a chorus of criticism from fans and commentators alike. The Red Sox have struggled to close out tight games, a trend that dates back to the early summer when a series of bullpen meltdowns set the tone.
Manager Alex Cora tried to stay upbeat. “We’re a resilient club,” he said. “These games sting, but they’re also a learning opportunity. We’ll adjust and come back stronger.”
Statistically, the Red Sox’s bullpen has posted a 4.12 ERA in the last 30 innings of games decided by one run or fewer – a stark contrast to Chapman’s sub‑1.00 ERA overall. The disparity highlights the importance of late‑inning depth, a factor the front office is reportedly reviewing ahead of the trade deadline.
Looking Ahead: A’s Momentum and Boston’s Challenges
For Oakland, the victory injects fresh energy as they chase a wildcard berth. The A’s sit just three games behind the AL West leader, and their offense, now powered by both veteran hands and rising stars, looks poised to sustain the clutch performances that have defined this stretch.
Meanwhile, Boston must confront the reality that even elite talent like Chapman can falter under pressure. The Red Sox’s front office is expected to explore options to bolster the bullpen, potentially targeting a high‑leverage reliever at the upcoming waiver trade deadline.
- Key Fact 1: Chapman’s hitless streak spanned 50 batters over 17 appearances – third longest since 1901.
- Key Fact 2: Nick Kurtz became the 32nd rookie in MLB history to hit 30 home runs in a season.
- Key Fact 3: The Red Sox recorded their 12th walk‑off loss of 2025, the most in the majors.
- Key Fact 4: Oakland’s win moved them within three games of the AL West lead.
- Key Fact 5: Only Randy Choate (20) and Tim Byrdak (18) have longer hitless streaks in modern MLB.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect the Oakland Athletics' playoff chances?
The victory keeps Oakland within three games of the AL West lead, sharpening their wildcard aspirations. With momentum from a clutch ninth‑inning rally, the A’s could overtake the division leader if they maintain their recent offensive output and solid bullpen performance.
What does the end of Chapman's streak mean for the Red Sox bullpen?
Chapman's loss exposes a vulnerability in Boston’s late‑inning arsenal. While his season ERA remains under 1.00, the inability to close out games suggests the bullpen needs depth. The front office is likely to explore trades or free‑agent signings to add a high‑leverage reliever before the deadline.
Where does Nick Kurtz rank among rookie power hitters historically?
Kurtz joins a select group of 32 rookies in MLB history to hit 30+ home runs in a debut season. Within the Athletics franchise, only Jose Canseco (33 in 1986) and Mark McGwire (49 in 1987) have eclipsed that mark, placing Kurtz among the most prolific power hitters the club has ever nurtured.
Why have the Red Sox recorded so many walk‑off losses this season?
A combination of bullpen fatigue, defensive miscues, and untimely hitting has plagued Boston. Their relief corps posts a 4.12 ERA in one‑run games, far above the league average, indicating difficulty in holding slim leads during the final innings.
What historical precedents exist for a closer’s long hitless streak?
Before Chapman, the modern record holders were Randy Choate (20 consecutive hitless appearances in 2011) and Tim Byrdak (18 in 2012). Chapman's 17‑appearance run ranks third‑longest since 1901, underscoring the rarity of such sustained dominance.