The Athletics continue their series with the Boston Red Sox tonight at Fenway Park, hoping to extend their winning streak to six games.

Boston dropped last night’s 2-1 contest, spoiling a strong second career start from rookie Connelly Early, who allowed just one run over 5.1 innings.

Athletics starter Jeffrey Springs surrendered only an unearned run, and that was all Boston could muster against a staff that carries the league’s third-worst ERA at 4.74. The Red Sox failing to produce offense against such a rotation is an ominous sign as the playoff race tightens.

The loss pushed Boston seven games back of the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East and dropped them into third place in the Wild Card standings, trailing both the New York Yankees and Houston Astros. They now sit half a game behind Houston and just 2.5 games ahead of the Guardians.

With only 11 games left — including closing series against Toronto and the Detroit Tigers — Boston’s margin for error is vanishing. That makes this set with the Athletics and the upcoming Tampa Bay Rays series critical.

Lucas Giolito takes the mound for Boston tonight. He’s 10–4 with a 3.31 ERA, and even sharper over his last seven outings with a 2.68 ERA. Giolito has had mixed results against the Athletics this season, getting tagged for six runs in April before bouncing back in May to allow just one run in 4.2 innings.

Mason Barnett gets the start for the Athletics. The rookie has struggled badly, going 1–1 with an 8.53 ERA, and he lasted only 3.2 innings against Boston last week, giving up three runs on seven hits.

Prediction

The Athletics’ winning streak has been impressive, but this matchup sets up well for Boston. With Giolito in form and Barnett still trying to find his footing, the Red Sox should take advantage to regain momentum in the Wild Card race.

Prediction: Red Sox 5, Athletics 3

Starting Lineups

Athletics

1. Nick Kurtz — 1B

2. Shea Langeliers — C

3. Brent Rooker — DH

4. Tyler Soderstrom — LF

5. Jacob Wilson — SS

6. Lawrence Butler — CF

7. Carlos Cortes — RF

8. Darell Hernaiz — 2B

9. Brett Harris — 3B

Starting Pitcher: Mason Barnett (RHP) — 1–1, 8.53 ERA

Boston Red Sox

1. Jarren Duran — LF

2. Trevor Story — SS

3. Alex Bregman — 3B

4. Masataka Yoshida — DH

5. Romy Gonzalez — 2B

6. Rob Refsnyder — RF

7. Nathaniel Lowe — 1B

8. Carlos Narváez — C

9. Ceddanne Rafaela — CF

Starting Pitcher: Lucas Giolito (RHP) — 10–4, 3.31 ERA

How to Watch Athletics vs. Red Sox

Tonight’s game between the Athletics and Boston Red Sox airs live on NESN and NBC Sports California.

Out-of-market fans can stream via MLB.TV.

Athletics vs. Boston Red Sox

Date: Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Time: 6:45 PM Eastern / 3:45 PM Pacific

Venue: Fenway Park, Boston, MA

TV: NESN, NBC Sports California

Streaming: MLB.TV