When Aroldis Chapman, closer of the Boston Red Sox surrendered a walk‑off hit on September 10, 2025, his 50‑batter retirement streak snapped in dramatic fashion. The loss, a 5‑4 reversal at Oakland Coliseum, also knocked Boston out of a potential series sweep against the Oakland Athletics.
Background on Chapman's Streak
Chapman's run of 50 consecutive batters retired stretched across 17 appearances, a feat that rivaled the best closers of the decade. He first set the tone in early July, preserving a tight 3‑2 win over the Toronto Blue Jays with a perfect ninth. From there, each save added a notch to the record, and by August his name appeared alongside legends like Mariano Rivera and Craig Kimbrel in the conversation about dominant 2025 closers.
Analysts at FanDuel and Baseball‑Reference highlighted the streak as a critical factor in Boston’s push for a wild‑card berth, noting that every inning Chapman shut the door saved the Red Sox an average of 0.47 runs per game. In a league where the margin between a playoff spot and a missed opportunity can be a single run, his consistency was nothing short of priceless.
Game Recap: Red Sox vs. Athletics
The September 10 showdown began with Boston trailing 2‑0 after two innings, but the Red Sox answered back, erasing the deficit with a two‑run single from Rafael Devers in the fourth. By the seventh, the score was knotted at 3‑3, and both bullpens were in high‑gear. Boston’s manager Alex Cora called on seven different arms, including veterans Nathan Eovaldi and Matt Barrett, showing just how thin the relief corps had become.
In the top of the ninth, Nick Kurtz, the outfielder for the Oakland Athletics cracked a go‑ahead single to left‑center, driving in the winning run. Kurtz’s hit placed him in the exclusive company of franchise greats Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire, who also delivered decisive blows in critical games.
Chapman entered with a 1‑2 count and the chance to seal the win. Instead, a sharp line drive slipped past his glove, skidding into the outfield grass for a base‑hit that ended both the streak and Boston’s hopes. The crowd at Oakland Coliseum erupted, while the Red Sox bench fell silent, the weight of the missed opportunity palpable.
Implications for the Red Sox Pitching Staff
The heavy usage of the bullpen on Tuesday raised eyebrows throughout the American League. Seven pitchers logged a combined 16.2 innings, an unsustainable load as the team heads into a crucial weekend series against New York. Three of Boston’s top five relievers—Chapman, James Bonnell, and Ryota Aoki—tossed more than two innings each, stretching their typical roles.
Boston’s front office, led by general manager Chaim Bloom, now faces a dilemma: preserve the health of its late‑season arms or press forward with the current configuration. If the Red Sox were to lose another game, the bullpen could be depleted, jeopardizing their chances in the final stretch.
Adding to the pressure, starter Lucas Giolito is slated to take the mound for the opening game of the three‑game home series against the Yankees. Giolito, who posted a 3.06 ERA over his last ten starts, will need to buy the bullpen some breathing room.
Upcoming Battle with the Yankees
The Red Sox’s next test arrives at Fenway Park on Saturday, where they will host the New York Yankees in a three‑game weekend series that could reshape the AL wild‑card picture. Boston sits a half‑game behind New York but enjoys a three‑game cushion over the Seattle Mariners, who currently hold the final wild‑card spot.
While the Yankees have not yet announced their Opening Day starter, rumors swirl around veteran right‑hander Gerrit Cole and rookie sensation Luis Garcia. Either way, the series promises high‑stakes baseball, with every run carrying playoff weight.
For Boston, the primary goal is to keep its bullpen intact. Cora hinted in a post‑game interview that he may limit the use of long‑relief arms, instead relying on a more traditional eight‑man rotation if Giolito can go deep into his start. The strategic shift could be the difference between a hot streak and a cold spell as September closes.
What This Means for the AL Wild Card Race
With 10 games left in the regular season, the Red Sox must win at least six to solidify their position. The loss to Oakland not only halted Chapman’s streak but also cost Boston a potential three‑game swing over the Yankees. If New York wins two of the three at Fenway, the Red Sox could find themselves a full game behind the AL’s top wild‑card contender.
Statistical models from FiveThirtyEight now project Boston’s wild‑card odds at 34 %, down from 41 % before the Oakland game. The odds drop further if the bullpen falters in the upcoming series, underscoring how fragile a postseason berth can be in a tightly contested league.
Still, the Red Sox have a powerful offense, ranking third in runs per game and boasting a .280 team batting average. If the pitching staff regains its form, the team still has a realistic shot at clinching the wild‑card, especially if Seattle stumbles in its remaining matchups.
Key Facts
- Chapman's streak: 50 straight batters retired (17 appearances)
- Final score: Oakland Athletics 5, Boston Red Sox 4 (walk‑off)
- Game‑changing hit: Nick Kurtz single in the top of the 9th
- Red Sox used seven pitchers, logging 16.2 innings
- Upcoming series: Red Sox vs. New York Yankees at Fenway Park, starting Saturday
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the end of Chapman's streak affect the Red Sox bullpen?
The loss exposes the bullpen’s over‑use, with seven pitchers throwing 16.2 innings. With a three‑game series against the Yankees looming, manager Alex Cora may lean on starters like Lucas Giolito to reduce reliever workload and preserve arms for the final stretch.
Who delivered the walk‑off hit for the Athletics?
Outfielder Nick Kurtz drove in the winning run with a single to left‑center in the top of the ninth, joining franchise legends like Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire as the player who provided the decisive blow.
What are the Red Sox’s chances of clinching a wild‑card spot?
After the loss, FiveThirtyEight rates Boston’s wild‑card odds at roughly 34 %. Winning the upcoming series against the Yankees and maintaining a solid bullpen could push those odds back above 40 %.
When and where will the Red Sox face the Yankees next?
The series kicks off Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Fenway Park in Boston. Lucas Giolito is expected to start the first game for the Red Sox.
How did the game’s location influence the outcome?
Playing at the Oakland Coliseum gave the Athletics a familiar backdrop and a supportive crowd, which helped amplify the pressure on Chapman and the Red Sox’s relievers during the decisive ninth inning.
