The Boston Red Sox lost crucial ground in the playoff hunt after falling 5-3 to the Oakland Athletics. Nick Kurtz’s run during a critical third inning highlighted the momentum shift, cutting Boston’s lead over Cleveland to just 1½ games.

The Oakland Athletics edged the Boston Red Sox 5-4 on Wednesday, capped by Lawrence Butler’s thrilling walk-off single. Rookie Nick Kurtz also made history, joining Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire as the only Athletics rookies to hit 30 home runs.

Just two months after his big league debut, Nick Kurtz of the Oakland A’s has hit his 11th home run in 22 games. His latest home run, achieved in New York, holds special significance for the rookie player.