Fenway Park, Boston, September 17, 2025
News Summary
The Oakland Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox 2-1, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Brett Harris’ go-ahead single highlighted the sixth inning rally, while Tyler Soderstrom contributed with an RBI double. Boston struggled offensively, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and leaving nine on base. Connelly Early impressed on the mound with six strikeouts, but the Red Sox’s recent slump continues as they lost four of their last five games. The teams will meet again for their next matchup.
Boston — The Oakland Athletics defeated the Boston Red Sox 2-1 on Tuesday night, extending their winning streak to five games behind a go-ahead single from Brett Harris in the sixth inning.
Game summary
The Athletics rallied for the winning run in the sixth inning after trailing early. Brett Harris delivered a run-scoring single that put Oakland ahead, and Tyler Soderstrom added two hits, including an RBI double that helped fuel the comeback. The victory marked Oakland’s first five-game streak in more than a year and its longest since a six-game run from April 28 to May 4 of last season.
Key plays and offense
Boston scored first in the third inning when Rob Refsnyder reached home from first base on a play that began with Carlos Narváez’s double. The ball deflected off Oakland outfielder Lawrence Butler, resulting in an error that allowed the run to score. Oakland tied and then took the lead in the sixth: Soderstrom hit an RBI double, and Brett Harris followed with a go-ahead single.
The Red Sox struggled with opportunities against the Athletics’ pitching staff. Boston went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left nine runners on base. Romy Gonzalez grounded into two double plays that erased key threats and contributed to Boston’s inability to capitalize.
Pitching and bullpen
Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs worked four innings, allowing one unearned run on five hits. Reliever Mitch Spence provided 3 2/3 scoreless innings with two hits allowed, and Hogan Harris closed the game by getting four outs for his third save of the season.
Red Sox rookie Connelly Early struck out six batters over five innings and added to his early-career momentum with strong control; Early has not allowed a run in his first two major league appearances and has compiled an 18-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Early was replaced in the sixth after allowing a single. Greg Wissert took over and was charged with the loss after giving up the RBI double to Tyler Soderstrom and a single to Brett Harris that produced the winning run.
Notable individual achievements
Trevor Story reached a personal milestone by becoming the fourth player in the expansion era to successfully steal his first 30 bases of the season. Story went 3-for-4 in the game. Tyler Soderstrom finished with two hits and the pivotal RBI double. Brett Harris delivered the decisive hit in the sixth inning and secured the final margin in the win.
Implications and context
The win gives the Athletics momentum with a five-game streak, their longest run in more than a year. For the Red Sox, the loss continues a recent slump: Boston has dropped four of its last five games and entered the contest just one game behind the New York Yankees for the top American League wild card spot. The team’s inability to convert scoring opportunities and the nine runners left on base emphasize a lingering offensive challenge.
Oakland’s bullpen performance and timely hitting combined to counter Boston’s strong showing from rookie Connelly Early, whose outing drew applause from the Fenway Park crowd and highlighted his potential despite the loss. Early’s scoreless streak across his first two MLB games and exceptional strikeout-to-walk ratio stand out as positives for Boston’s pitching outlook.
What’s next
The teams are scheduled to meet again with Athletics right-hander Mason Barnett facing Red Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito as the anticipated starting pitchers for the next game.
Background
The Athletics’ five-game streak is their best stretch since a six-game run spanning April 28 to May 4 last season. The Red Sox entered the series in close wild card contention, making each game significant for postseason positioning. Against Oakland in this game, Boston’s baserunning and plate discipline did not produce needed runs, while Oakland’s situational hitting and bullpen depth carried the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score and deciding play?
The final score was Oakland Athletics 2, Boston Red Sox 1. The deciding play was a go-ahead single by Brett Harris in the sixth inning.
Who contributed most to Oakland’s comeback?
Tyler Soderstrom had two hits and an RBI double, and Brett Harris delivered the go-ahead single. The bullpen, led by Mitch Spence and closer Hogan Harris, preserved the lead.
How did Boston’s pitching perform?
Rookie Connelly Early struck out six over five innings and remained scoreless through his first two major league outings. He was ultimately replaced in the sixth inning after allowing a single but did not concede a run across his early appearances.
What offensive struggles did the Red Sox have?
Boston went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, left nine runners on base, and hit into two double plays by Romy Gonzalez, all of which limited their scoring across the game.
When is the next game and who are the scheduled starters?
The next scheduled matchup features Athletics RHP Mason Barnett against Red Sox RHP Lucas Giolito.
Quick Game Facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Final score | Athletics 2, Red Sox 1 |
| Location | Fenway Park, Boston |
| Key hits | Brett Harris go-ahead single (6th), Tyler Soderstrom RBI double |
| Starting pitchers (this game) | Jeffrey Springs (Athletics), Connelly Early (Red Sox) |
| Relief highlights | Mitch Spence 3 2/3 scoreless innings; Hogan Harris earned 3rd save |
| Notable stat | Trevor Story reached 30 stolen bases to start the season |
| Red Sox situational hitting | 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position; 9 LOB |
| Next scheduled starters | Mason Barnett (OAK) vs. Lucas Giolito (BOS) |
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Red Sox Reactions
- Wikipedia: Boston Red Sox
- PickDawgz: Red Sox vs Athletics Prediction
- Google Search: Oakland Athletics
- NESN: Red Sox Make Huge Move
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Boston Red Sox
- Boston Globe: Red Sox vs Athletics Recap
- Google News: Boston Red Sox
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.
