BREAKING: In a stunning turn of events, the Oakland Athletics secured a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox on September 25, 2023, avoiding a series sweep. This match saw Aroldis Chapman allow his first hit since July 23, ending a remarkable streak of 50 batters and 17 appearances without a hit—marking the third-longest streak in MLB history since 1901.
Shea Langeliers ignited the A’s comeback in the ninth inning, hitting a double off Chapman, who had previously set a franchise record. This hit also places Chapman behind only Randy Choate (20 games) and Tim Byrdak (18 games) for the longest scoreless appearance streaks in the league. With Langeliers on second following a flyout, rookie Lawrence Butler delivered the winning blow with an RBI single on a blistering 100.2 mph fastball with a 1-2 count, handing the Red Sox their league-high 12th walk-off loss of the season.
The A’s had been struggling offensively, having been shut out in the first two games of the series. Langeliers’ solo homer in the first inning marked a significant turnaround, ending a 19-inning scoreless streak for the team. It was his career-high 30th home run, making him the 32nd player ever to hit 30 homers as a rookie, joining the ranks of Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire as the third A’s slugger to achieve this milestone.
Despite Boston’s efforts, including an RBI double from Rob Refsnyder that tied the game at 4 in the ninth, the A’s found their footing just in time. Tyler Soderstrom’s two-run double in the fifth inning had previously given Oakland a 4-3 lead after trailing earlier in the game.
Chapman’s return to the mound was significant, as he had not faced a hit in nearly two months, showcasing a remarkable performance prior to this game. However, his first hit allowed raised questions about his stamina as the playoffs approach. The game shone a light on the A’s resilience and their ability to fight back against the Red Sox, who have struggled in clutch situations this season.
Looking ahead, fans will be eager to see if the Athletics can maintain this momentum as they head into their next series. With Chapman’s performance now under scrutiny, all eyes will be on his next appearance and whether he can bounce back from this setback.
The stakes will continue to rise as the MLB season enters its final stretch, and teams are gearing up for the playoffs. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and more MLB highlights.
