Jacob Lopez Dominates as Athletics Shut Out Tampa Bay Rays 6-0 in West Sacramento

Wednesday, August 13th, 2025

Jacob Lopez Dominates as Athletics Shut Out Tampa Bay Rays 6-0

Jacob Lopez delivered a stellar performance, striking out nine batters over seven shutout innings, as the Oakland Athletics defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 6-0. Lopez allowed just four hits, issued no walks, and retired 11 of the final 12 hitters he faced, lifting his record to 5-6 on the season. Tyler Ferguson came on to pitch a scoreless ninth inning and secured his second save of the year.

Athletics’ Offense Sparks Key Rally

Colby Thomas got the Athletics going with an RBI double in the second inning, later adding a sacrifice fly in the fourth that drove in another run. Lawrence Butler contributed as well, knocking an RBI double in the fourth and following it up with an RBI single in the eighth. Oakland also capitalized on a pair of mistakes from Tampa Bay, scoring additional runs on an error and a wild pitch.

Rays Struggle Offensively

Shane Baz started strong for Tampa Bay but faltered in the middle innings, giving up five runs—four earned—on six hits across his outing. Baz struck out seven and walked two. The Rays' offense was held in check all night, going 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and managing just four hits, including two each from Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe.

Key Moment

The pivotal moment came in the bottom of the fourth inning when the Athletics broke the game open with a three-run rally on four consecutive hits off Baz.

Key Stat

Oakland secured its MLB-leading eighth shutout of the season, highlighting the team's improved pitching and defense.

Up Next

The series continues as Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn (2-4, 4.39 ERA) is set to face Tampa Bay's Drew Rasmussen (9-5, 2.66 ERA) in the next game.

In summary

The Oakland Athletics blanked the Tampa Bay Rays behind a dominant start from Jacob Lopez, timely hitting from Colby Thomas and Lawrence Butler, and a strong team effort on both sides of the ball. With this win, the Athletics set themselves apart with an MLB-leading eighth shutout, underscoring their pitching prowess and momentum heading into the rest of the series.

Related Links

• Tampa Bay Rays News & Updates
• Tampa Bay Rays Schedule & Scores
• Athletics News & Updates
• Athletics Schedule & Scores
• MLB News