Brent Rooker, J.T. Ginn Lead Athletics Past Red Sox 5-3 in Boston for 2025 Victory

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Athletics Secure 5-3 Victory Over Red Sox at Fenway Park

Brent Rooker launched a home run during a three-run rally in the first inning, powering the Oakland Athletics to a 5-3 win against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Athletics’ offense started strong, stringing together four consecutive hits, capped off by Rooker's 30th homer of the season. J.T. Ginn delivered a standout pitching performance, limiting Boston to five hits and two runs across six innings, with one walk and three strikeouts en route to his fourth win of the season.

Hogan Harris entered in relief and closed out the game, pitching two innings and earning his fourth save.

For Boston, David Hamilton and Trevor Story each contributed solo home runs, but the Red Sox ultimately fell short. This loss marked Boston's fifth defeat in their last seven games. Boston entered the day tied with Seattle for the final AL wild-card spot, with Cleveland moving closer after defeating Detroit.

Red Sox starter Brayan Bello (11-8) allowed four runs, three of them earned, on five hits and two walks, while striking out three batters in four innings of work.

Key Moment

The Athletics wasted no time jumping ahead as Lawrence Butler led off the game with a double off the Green Monster. Brent Rooker followed up with a two-run homer, and Nick Kurtz added a double of his own. Tyler Soderstrom then singled to drive in another run, giving Oakland an early cushion. Brayan Bello managed to escape further damage by inducing a fielder’s choice and an inning-ending double play.

Key Stat

Rooker’s home run made him the third Athletics player this season with at least 30 homers, joining Nick Kurtz (32) and Shea Langeliers (30). This marks just the fourth time in franchise history that three Oakland players have reached 30 home runs in a single season, matching a record most recently achieved in 2019.

Up Next

The Athletics head to Pittsburgh for their next series, where right-hander Luis Severino (6-11) is set to face Mitch Keller (6-14) in Friday’s opener.

The Red Sox travel to Tampa Bay to start a three-game series, with Garrett Crochet, Kyle Harrison, and Connelly Early scheduled as their starting pitchers.

In Summary

The Oakland Athletics emerged victorious over the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, kicking things off with a powerful first-inning rally—including Brent Rooker's 30th home run of the season—and steady pitching from J.T. Ginn. While the Red Sox hit two solo homers, they could not overcome Oakland’s early advantage. The Athletics tied a franchise record with three players reaching the 30-home run milestone in a season. Both teams now prepare for their upcoming road series as the playoff race intensifies.

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