Kurtz's Late Hit Secures Victory for Athletics Over Cubs; Happ Reaches Milestone

CHICAGO (AP) — The Oakland Athletics clinched their second consecutive victory on Wednesday night, edging out the Chicago Cubs 5-4 in a thrilling finish that saw Nick Kurtz single in automatic runner Alika Williams during the 10th inning. This win marked a continuation of the Cubs' struggles, as they have now lost three in a row and 18 out of their last 23 games.

Kurtz, who extended his hitting streak to five games, delivered his pivotal hit off Chicago’s sixth reliever, Ethan Roberts (0-1). The Cubs initially held a two-run advantage going into the eighth inning, but the Athletics managed to mount a comeback. Pinch-hitter Colby Thomas launched a 426-foot solo home run over the left-field bleachers, and Tyler Soderstrom, who had already contributed to the scoring, tied the game with his second single of the night, bringing both runs home off reliever Caleb Thielbar.

On the Cubs' side, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki each hit home runs, while Ian Happ made headlines by achieving his 1,000th career hit with a double in the fourth inning. Happ became the 37th player in Cubs history to reach this milestone, and the second switch-hitter to do so, showcasing his talent with another double in the eighth. Crow-Armstrong also extended his hitting streak to eight games with a two-run homer in the third inning.

Pitcher Hogan Harris (3-0) secured the win for the Athletics, throwing a perfect ninth inning, while Justin Sterner closed the game by retiring all three Cubs batters in the 10th for his first save. Cubs starter Colin Rea had a solid outing, allowing just two runs on four hits over 5 1/3 innings, while Jeffrey Springs, pitching for the A’s, gave up four runs on seven hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Looking ahead, the Cubs will send left-hander Shota Imanaga (4-6, 4.37 ERA) to the mound for the series finale on Thursday, while the Athletics have yet to announce their starting pitcher.