When Shea Langeliers, designated hitter for the Oakland Athletics launched a double in the bottom of the ninth on Wednesday, he snapped a historic run by Boston’s closer Aroldis Chapman. The hit broke a 17‑appearance, 50‑batter streak that ranked third‑longest in Major League Baseball (MLB) history since 1901.
Historical Context: Where the Streak Began
The streak kicked off on July 23, 2025, when Chapman surrendered a solo homer to Philadelphia Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto. From that point onward, Chapman went 50 straight batters without allowing a hit, compiling 13 2⁄3 consecutive hitless innings. Only two relievers have posted longer runs: Randy Choate (20 hitless appearances in 2011) and Tim Byrdak (18 appearances in either 2012 or 2018). Both were primarily LOOGYs—left‑handed specialists who faced a single batter per outing—making Chapman’s achievement as a true closer even more impressive.
Game‑by‑Game Details: The Night the Streak Died
The decisive moment arrived during the Oakland Athletics at Boston Red SoxFenway Park on July 31, 2025. Boston held a 5‑4 lead entering the ninth inning. Chapman, who had been glittering all season with a microscopic 1.00 ERA, 81 strikeouts and only 14 walks in 55 innings, entered to close out the game.
He retired the side in order on five pitches—two 95‑mph sinkers, a 98‑mph fastball, and two 99‑mph sliders—before Langeliers stepped up. The Athletics’ rookie double to left‑center not only broke the hitless chain but also put the runner on second with one out. After a sacrificial fly advanced Langeliers to third, center fielder Lawrence Butler delivered a walk‑off single that sent the crowd into a frenzy. It was the first earned run Chapman had allowed since that July 23 homer and the first time the streak was broken.
Reactions from the Players and Management
“Shea made a great swing at a tough pitch,” Athletics manager Mark Kotsay said in the post‑game interview. “We knew his bat could do damage, but even I didn’t expect it to end a streak that long.”
Boston’s skipper Alex Cora praised Chapman’s resilience. “Aroldis has been a rock for us all year. One double doesn’t change the fact that he’s our most reliable arm. He’ll bounce back, no doubt.”
When asked about the streak’s place in baseball lore, former MLB analyst Ken Rosenthal noted, “Only Dennis Eckersley’s 1977 run of 13 2⁄3 hitless innings still beats the total innings record, but Chapman's 17‑appearance run is remarkable because it spans multi‑batter outings, not one‑batter tricks.”
Impact on the Season and Award Race
Chapman’s 2025 season has been a textbook case of late‑career resurgence. He entered the year on a one‑year deal after a lackluster 2024 campaign with the New York Yankees (4.46 ERA, –0.2 WAR). The Red Sox locked him up for an additional year with an option through 2027 on August 31, signaling confidence in his durability.
Statistically, Chapman sits at 28 saves, a 3.3 WAR, and a 1.00 ERA—numbers that put him in the conversation for the American League Reliever of the Year award, a trophy usually dominated by younger arms like Seattle’s Emmanuel Clase. If he maintains his strikeout‑to‑walk ratio (81‑14) and sub‑2.00 WHIP, he could finish as the first closer since Mariano Rivera to be a serious MVP candidate.
What’s Next for Chapman and the Athletics?
The Red Sox will look to rebound quickly. With their bullpen still anchored by Chapman, the team hopes to keep the momentum heading into the September stretch. Meanwhile, Oakland’s young core, highlighted by Langeliers’ clutch hitting, will try to capitalize on the confidence boost from a walk‑off win.
Chapman himself hinted at a quick reset. “I’m just going to focus on the next batter,” he said, smiling. “The streak’s over, but the work isn’t.”
Key Facts
- Streak: 17 appearances, 50 batters, 13 2⁄3 hitless innings.
- Chapman’s 2025 line: 1.00 ERA, 28 saves, 81 K, 14 BB in 55 IP.
- Only two relievers have longer modern streaks (Choate – 20, Byrdak – 18).
- Walk‑off win secured by Langeliers’ double and Butler’s single.
- Red Sox will keep Chapman under contract through 2027 with an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the end of the streak affect Aroldis Chapman’s award chances?
Despite the double, Chapman’s season‑long numbers still rank among the best for closers. Even if the streak ends, his 1.00 ERA, 28 saves and 3.3 WAR keep him in strong contention for the AL Reliever of the Year and possibly an MVP vote, especially if he continues to dominate late in the season.
What made Chapman’s streak unique compared to Randy Choate and Tim Byrdak?
Choate and Byrdak were primarily LOOGYs, often facing a single batter per appearance. Chapman logged multi‑batter outings as a true closer, maintaining elite velocity and strikeout ability across entire innings, which makes his 17‑appearance run far more demanding.
Who else contributed to the walk‑off win for Oakland?
After Langeliers’ double, a sacrifice fly moved him to third, and center fielder Lawrence Butler delivered the decisive single that scored the winning run. The combination of timely hitting and solid defense sealed the comeback.
Will the Red Sox adjust their bullpen strategy after the streak ends?
Manager Alex Cora indicated the bullpen will stay the course. Chapman’s performance remains elite, and the coaching staff plans to use him in high‑leverage situations while monitoring his workload to keep him effective through the playoff push.
How does this game fit into the broader rivalry between Boston and Oakland?
The walk‑off victory adds another dramatic chapter to a rivalry that’s intensified since Oakland’s move to the AL East in 2015. Both clubs have exchanged late‑inning heroics, and this game reinforces the Athletics’ belief they can compete with the reigning AL champions in Boston.
