Athletics' Jacob Lopez Breaks Franchise Record With Wild Run of Strikeouts

Jacob Lopez didn't have his best showing on the mound Sunday against the San Francisco Giants, but his seven consecutive strikeouts between the first and third innings made A's history.

West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics starting pitcher Jacob Lopez (57) throws a pitch during the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Sutter Health Park. | Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Even though he bookended it with a so-so outing, Jacob Lopez went on a historic run Sunday night in West Sacramento.

The Athletics left-hander gave up two singles, a walk and a hit batsman to the first five San Francisco Giants he faced in the decisive rubber match. That put the A's down 1-0 early, since Willy Adames' walk came with the bases loaded.

From there, though, Lopez punched out Luis Matos and Mike Yastrzemski to get out of the jam. He then struck out the side in the second – all swinging – then added two more swinging strikeouts to open the third.

Matt Chapman finally broke the Giants out of their strikeout streak by popping out to first on a full count. Still, Lopez had recorded seven Ks in a row, seemingly getting the Athletics back on track.

According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, Lopez is the first A's pitcher since at least 1961 with seven consecutive strikeouts in a game.

Jacob Lopez is the first A’s pitcher in at least the expansion era (1961) with 7 consecutive strikeouts in a game

h/t @EliasSports

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 7, 2025

Lopez proceeded to give up a leadoff home run to Adames in the fourth, then a pair of singles in the fifth before getting the hook. Reliever J.T. Ginn issued a bases-loaded walk of his own, plus a ground-rule double to Matos, meaning Lopez was charged for four earned runs in 4.1 innings.

That bumped Lopez’s season ERA from 3.88 to 4.26. The 27-year-old swingman – who was drafted by the Giants in 2018 – fell to 2-5 when the A’s lost 6-2.

And yet, the southpaw carries a 0.4 WAR with the All-Star break nearing, establishing himself as a key member of the Athletics’ pitching staff.

After taking Monday off, the A’s will host the Atlanta Braves in a series starting Tuesday. First pitch for the opener is scheduled for 10:05 p.m. ET.

Related MLB Stories

• ROCKIES REACH NEW LOW: The Chicago White Sox have already clinched their weekend series against the Colorado Rockies, further burying the NL West bottom-feeder in the MLB history books. CLICK HERE

• ALONSO, NIMMO EXPLODE: Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo single-handedly outproduced the New York Yankees on Saturday, combining for nine RBIs and tying a New York Mets record in the process. CLICK HERE

• WILSON VOTED INTO ASG: Jacob Wilson is set to become the third Athletics shortstop ever to start in an All-Star Game, while also becoming the third-youngest player in franchise history to earn the honor. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.