Full Breakdown
No-Hitter Ends in Walk-Off Defeat as Angels Edge Athletics
5/19/2026, 1:19:07 PM
Game Summary
Oakland starter J.T. Ginn carried a no-hit bid into the ninth inning of the May 18 game at Angel Stadium. After a 1-0 lead by the Athletics, Adam Frazier singled to open the bottom of the ninth, ending the hitless stretch. Zach Neto then hit a 413-foot two-run home run, giving Los Angeles a 2-1 victory and snapping a six-game losing streak.
Background & Context
The last major-league no-hitter before this attempt was a combined effort by Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers on Sept. 4, 2024. The Athletics’ most recent solo no-hitter was by Mike Fiers in May 2019. Historically, Ginn became the sixth pitcher since 1974 to allow no hits or runs through eight innings and still take the loss, joining Rich Hill (2017). This was the eighth instance a team lost a no-hit bid in the ninth inning, and the third such loss that also resulted in a defeat.
Key Figures
- J.T. Ginn (Oakland) – Right-handed sinkerballer, 2-2, 105 pitches, 10 strikeouts, 1 walk.
- Zach Neto (Los Angeles) – Shortstop, hit his eighth home run of the season with a 2-0 sinker.
- Adam Frazier (Los Angeles) – Outfielder, leadoff single in the ninth.
- Lawrence Butler (Oakland) – Pinch-hitter, RBI single in the top of the ninth.
- Mark Kotsay (Oakland manager) – Made the decision to leave Ginn in the ninth.
- Shea Langeliers (Oakland catcher) – Provided on-field perspective.
- Walbert Ureña (Los Angeles starter) – Six scoreless innings, four strikeouts.
Timeline of Critical Moments
- 1st Inning: Both starters retire the side; scoreless.
- Through 8 Innings: Ginn allows no hits, no runs; 10 K.
- Top 9th: Butler’s RBI single puts Oakland ahead 1-0.
- Bottom 9th: Frazier’s leadoff single ends the no-hit bid.
- Bottom 9th, 2nd AB: Neto’s two-run walk-off homer.
Data & Statistics
- Ginn: 105 pitches (64 strikes), 10 K, 1 BB, 0 H through 8 IP.
- Neto: 2-0 sinker, 413-ft home run, 8th HR of season.
- Kurtz (Oakland 1B): 41-game on-base streak, ties A’s record (Eddie Joost, 1949).
- Angels: 2-1 win, end six-game skid, third walk-off win of season.
- Historical: Sixth pitcher since 1974 to lose a no-hit bid after eight hitless innings; eighth overall team loss in ninth-inning no-hit attempt.
Why It Matters
A successful no-hitter would have been the first for Oakland since 2024 and could have halted a two-game skid. The walk-off loss extended the Athletics’ losing streak to three and kept their record below .500. For the Angels, the dramatic finish reversed a six-game slide and reinforced their ability to win close games despite offensive struggles.
Official Statements & Responses
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay praised Ginn’s performance, calling it “the best game he’s pitched in his big-league career” while expressing disappointment at the outcome. Catcher Shea Langeliers highlighted Ginn’s dominance and noted the “gut-wrenching” nature of the ninth-inning finish. Ginn himself described the night as “tough” and emphasized the need to stay focused.
Criticism & Opposition
Several observers, including Athletics Nation analysts, questioned Kotsay’s decision to keep Ginn on the mound after 100 pitches, noting that the choice “backfired” and may have contributed to the loss.
On-the-Ground Reports
The game featured a pitching duel: Ginn struck out a career-high ten batters, while Ureña limited the Angels to four hits over six scoreless innings. Defensive highlights included a double play by Nick Kurtz to end the ninth-inning threat and a sliding catch by Jo Adell that robbed Brent Rooker of an RBI earlier.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Just keep your head up and keep moving forward. It's just the nature of the game that we play. I attack the zone and I live with that.” — J.T. Ginn, Pitcher
- “I fell behind 2-0, threw a good sinker, and he was waiting on it and put a good swing on it. So, tip your cap to him.” — J.T. Ginn, Pitcher
- “J.T. dominated all night. For him to walk off the mound with a loss there, it hurts, obviously,” — Mark Kotsay, Athletics Manager
- “It easily could have went the other direction.” — Mark Kotsay, Athletics Manager
- “Baseball will humble you in all sorts of ways. ... It's going to be hard to flush this one.” — Shea Langeliers, Catcher
What’s Next
Oakland heads to its next road game seeking to rebound and stop the losing streak, while Los Angeles looks to build momentum after ending its six-game slide. Both clubs remain within striking distance of the AL West lead as the season progresses.
