A’s Transition to Las Vegas: A Memorable Game
The Oakland Athletics, now based in West Sacramento, are in the process of moving into a new stadium on The Strip in Las Vegas. This week, in an effort to build a local fan base, the team has six home games scheduled at Las Vegas Ballpark, which usually hosts the Las Vegas Aviators, a Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. Located in the Summerlin area, the stadium sits at over 3,000 feet elevation, nestled against nearby mountains.
Sure enough, Monday night’s matchup against the Brewers turned out to be one of the craziest games of the season, and it was played in a stadium larger than the average Major League Baseball ballpark. The high elevation undoubtedly played a role, as it is higher than all major league parks except Denver’s Coors Field.
The game concluded with a score of 15-14 after a grueling 12 innings, marking a rare occurrence in major league history. It was just the 18th time since 1900 that such a score has been seen, a feat not witnessed this century until now, with the last similar score occurring in 2019. It also stands out as the highest-scoring match of the year, with the Giants previously beating the Rockies 19-6.
The unusual aspects of the game didn’t stop at the score. The combined total of 11 home runs hit by both teams added to the excitement. The Athletics managed seven hits, showcasing impressive performances from Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz, each hitting two home runs. In total, 31 hits were recorded, and 14 different pitchers took the mound—a total of 441 pitches were thrown, shattering the year’s previous record. In a tense moment in the 10th inning, the Brewers scored four runs, but the Athletics responded with four of their own to tie it.
But that’s just the beginning.
The altitude contributed to several dramatic home runs, including a standout hit from Brewers catcher William Contreras, who logged the second-longest homer of the year at an impressive 463 feet—though he comically fell while celebrating.
On a different note, one of the game’s most unexpected home runs came when Nick Kurtz, with two strikes looming, smashed a ball 110 mph and 447 feet, bringing the Athletics closer at 14-13. Meanwhile, catcher Jonah Heim, as a pinch hitter, hit what looked like a routine pop-up that surprisingly cleared the fence, tying the game. Contreras, expecting an easy out, was left in disbelief as he applauded, thinking the catch was secure.
Heim’s exit velocity was only 94.6 mph, and it traveled 398 feet—yet, it registered as a home run nowhere else in MLB. Statcast had predicted an expected batting average of .000 for that hit. A curious anomaly, indeed!
This game highlights the adjustments the Athletics will need to make as they transition to Las Vegas. Although their new stadium will be slightly lower in elevation—around 2,300 feet—it raises questions about how high-scoring future games might become. Given the layout is expected to mirror what they currently have, fans might witness even more slugfests when they officially relocate in 2028.
While the new venue may offer a welcome roof during scorching summer months, the A’s pitchers could face hefty challenges. In any case, the A’s hitters are likely to become key figures in fantasy baseball discussions. Only time will tell how this all unfolds.
