Athletics’ Nick Kurtz makes MLB history not seen since Barry Bonds

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Abdullah Imran, ClutchPoints

Sat, May 2, 2026 at 1:55 PM UTC ·

2 min read

Athletics’ Nick Kurtz makes MLB history not seen since Barry Bonds appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .

Athletics first baseman Nick Kurtz continued a historic on-base run in an 8-5 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night at Sutter Health Park.

Kurtz was walked by reliever Hunter Gaddis in the seventh inning, reaching 20 consecutive games with at least one walk. That tied Barry Bonds (2002-03) for the second-longest streak since walk tracking began in 1910 (NL) and 1913 (AL). Only Roy Cullenbine, who set the record with 22 straight games in 1947, remains ahead. Kurtz also moved past Ted Williams, who had a 19-game streak in 1941.

The reigning American League Rookie of the Year finished 0-for-4 with the walk, also striking out in the eighth inning against Cade Smith while representing the tying run. His streak has coincided with exceptional plate discipline, including reaching a full count and seeing at least six pitches in four of five plate appearances during the game.

Kurtz leads the majors with 34 walks this season and finished April with 29 walks, joining rare company in Athletics history alongside Rickey Henderson (29 and 31 walks in separate months) and Reggie Jackson (33 in August 1969). His current on-base streak also reached 26 games, matching his career best and ranking second in MLB behind Ildemaro Vargas at 27 games.

It was Cleveland’s offense that keyed the win. Rhys Hoskins drove in three runs, including a two-run double and a solo homer, while Chase DeLauter went 4-for-4 with two RBI. Brent Rooker hit a two-run homer to snap an 0-for-20 slump and give the Athletics an early lead, while Zack Gelof added a two-run single.

Guardians pitching held firm late, with Erik Sabrowski striking out Darell Hernaiz and Tyler Soderstrom before Steven Kwan preserved the lead with a key catch at the wall. Cleveland has now won 22 of its last 27 meetings against the Athletics.

Next, Guardians RHP Slade Cecconi (0-4, 6.23) will start against Athletics LHP Jacob Lopez (2-1, 5.84) on Saturday.