Jump Leads Athletics Past Twins

Gage Jump of the Athletics pitching against the Twins

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

August 25, 2026

Athletics 4, Twins 2

Gage Jump did not allow a hit until the fourth inning, ultimately lasting into the seventh and striking out nine as his Athletics defeated the visiting Minnesota Twins, 4–2, Tuesday night in West Sacramento.

Jump and the relief trio of Hogan Harris, Luis Medina, and Elvis Alvarado combined to limit the Twins to four hits and three walks en route to the victory. Offensively, Carlos Cortes batted 1-for-3 with a homer and two RBI. Lawrence Butler, who entered the game slashing .284/.363/.494 (23-for-81) in August, went 2-for-4 with a run scored, continuing his strong month offensively.

Twins starting pitcher Taj Bradley also pitched well through five before a two-run sixth by the Athletics bumped his earned runs to four, taking away a quality start from the young right-hander. Bradley ended the night allowing four runs on seven hits across 6 2/3 innings. He walked one and struck out 11.

Athletics – Twins Game Summary

Cortes opened the scoring with his two-out two-run homer in the bottom of the second. He drove in Alika Williams, whose two-out double extended the inning.

The score became 4–0 in the bottom of the sixth after three straight two-out hits. Butler singled sharply to left and scored on a Tommy White double. White crossed the plate when Donovan Walton dumped a single to right.

The Twins cut the lead in half in the top of the seventh. After Kody Clemens beat out the relay to first on a potential double-play grounder, Kaelen Culpepper doubled him home with a sharp liner to center. Exit stage right for Jump. In came Harris, who gave up a tough double on a popup near the line in shallow right. Walton, hustling over from second, got his glove on it. However, he lost the handle while attempting to complete what would have been a highlight-reel over-the-shoulder catch, advancing Culpepper to third as the batter, Brooks Lee, reached second. Victor Caratini drove Culpepper in with a bouncing rocket near the third-base line. A diving Zack Gelof saved a double, holding Lee at second as he threw out the hustling Caratini on a close play.

Harris did not allow any more runs in the seventh despite walking Ryan Kreidler, who came up next. A 96-mph 1–2 fastball near the knees on the inside corner locked up Luke Keaschall and ended the threat. Medina and Alvarado followed with 1-2-3 innings in the eighth and ninth, respectively, to seal the 4–2 win.

What Went Right for the Athletics

Clutch Hitting

All four of the Athletics’ RBI came with two outs. Additionally, their two-run second and two-run sixth both involved consecutive two-out hits. In the second, Williams doubled before the Cortes homer. And in the sixth, Butler, White, and Walton singled, doubled, and singled, respectively, with Butler and White both scoring.

Starting Pitching

Jump notched his sixth Quality Start Tuesday night, second on the team behind J.T. Ginn’s 11. Across 6 1/3 innings, he allowed two runs on three hits, two walks, and nine strikeouts.

Took Advantage of Scoring Chances

In addition to their four two-out RBI, the Athletics batted 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position and only left four runners on base.

What Went Wrong for the Athletics

Botched Infield Popup

The Twins’ first hit came on a ball that should have been caught. With two outs in the top of the fourth, Royce Lewis lifted a towering popup behind the mound. All four infielders converged on the ball but, at first, couldn’t seem to decide who should catch it. Gelof, who initially gave up on the ball, ultimately made the attempt but came up with a gloveful of air.

Tough-luck Double

The double to shallow right by Lee in the top of the seventh contributed to the Twins’ second run. Fortunately for the Athletics, it did not cost them the game, but it did cost Walton a highlight-reel catch.

A Hall-of-Famer Turns 80

On a side note, Athletics legend and Hall-of-Fame relief pitcher Rollie Fingers celebrated his 80th birthday Tuesday.

Looking Ahead

Jump (6–8, 4.69 ERA) earned the win as Bradley (9–6, 3.97 ERA) took the loss. Alvarado notched his fourth save of the season with his 1-2-3 ninth.

The Athletics (52–81) and Twins (64–69) will play the third game of their three-game series Wednesday evening. Right-hander J.T. Ginn (8–8, 3.60 ERA) will take the mound for the Athletics against Twins lefty Connor Prielipp (3–7, 5.57 ERA). First pitch will be at 6:05 pm Pacific.