Jacob Wilson Sets MLB Shortstop Record in Athletics' 4-3 Win Over Red Sox

Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson played his 111th consecutive errorless game on Sunday, surpassing Mike Bordick's 2002 MLB record.

Jacob Wilson set a new Major League Baseball record for shortstops on Sunday at Fenway Park, completing his 111th consecutive game without an error. The 24-year-old Athletics infielder surpassed the previous mark of 110 games established by Mike Bordick of the Baltimore Orioles in 2002. Wilson’s defensive milestone coincided with the Athletics defeating the Boston Red Sox 4-3, a victory that snapped a 12-series losing streak for the club. The last time Wilson recorded an error was July 6, 2025, during a contest against San Francisco.

During the record-setting performance in Boston, Wilson handled five defensive chances. His afternoon included two groundouts and two pop-ups. One of the fly balls resulted in a collision with second baseman Jeff McNeil on an infield fly, though the play was recorded successfully. Wilson also served as the middleman to turn a 4-6-3 double play. On one specific ground ball hit deep into the hole by Ceddanne Rafaela, Wilson completed a long throw to first base to secure the out.

Defensive Preparation and Routine

Wilson maintains a strict pre-game regimen, arriving on the field approximately two hours before first pitch to take ground balls with his teammates. He performs this routine every day he is slotted to play shortstop, though he opts to stay off his feet during games where he serves as the designated hitter. Starting pitcher J.T. Ginn noted that Wilson’s success is a result of this deliberate preparation rather than chance, stating that the infielder has invested significant time into his defensive craft.

Growing up, Wilson was coached by his father, Jack Wilson, who played 12 seasons in the major leagues as a shortstop. The elder Wilson emphasized a defense-first philosophy, teaching his son to prioritize fielding mechanics over hitting during his development in Little League and beyond. Jacob Wilson noted in the post-game clubhouse that his father instilled the importance of being prepared to play defense every single day.

Surpassing Mike Bordick's 2002 Mark

The previous record of 110 errorless games had stood since the 2002 season when Mike Bordick authored his streak in Baltimore. Wilson’s 111-game stretch now stands as the longest in MLB history for the shortstop position. The Athletics' victory on Sunday provided a backdrop for the achievement, as the team concluded the game at 06:34 PM ET on August 9, 2026. Wilson expressed that his consistency serves as a message for youth players to prioritize hard work on the field.

Impact on the Athletics' Victory

While Wilson secured the individual record, the Athletics' 4-3 scoreline ended a prolonged period of series losses. The defensive stability provided by Wilson helped support J.T. Ginn’s start on the mound. Wilson’s ability to navigate the range toward the hole and execute the pivot on the 4-6-3 double play were central to the team's defensive effort at Fenway Park. The infielder remains committed to his daily ground ball work to maintain the streak, emphasizing that getting as much work on the field as possible is essential for his performance at the position.