The team known as the Oakland Athletics has shifted its home games to West Sacramento en route to establishing a new stadium on The Strip in Las Vegas. To gain traction among local fans ahead of the move, the Athletics scheduled six home games at Las Vegas Ballpark. This stadium, usually hosting the Las Vegas Aviators, a Triple-A affiliate for the Texas Rangers, sits in Summerlin, part of the Vegas Valley’s west side. Its elevation exceeds 3,000 feet, positioned near the surrounding mountains.
Elevation’s Impact on the Game
Monday night brought an unforgettable clash between the Athletics and Brewers, thanks to the elevation, which is second only to Coors Field in Denver. Despite the stadium’s larger size compared to typical Major League Baseball parks, the game concluded in a rare 15-14 result after 12 innings. Since 1900, this score has been recorded just 18 times in Major League history, twice this century, and not since 2019. It marked the highest-scoring game of the year by a significant margin, surpassing the Giants-Rockies game in Colorado, where the Giants won 19-6 on May 31.
Unusual Scoring Dynamics
Six homers characterized the game, with the Brewers and A’s collectively achieving 11 home runs. The A’s managed seven in their defeat, with Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz each sending two homers over the fence. The match featured 31 hits and utilized 14 pitchers who threw a staggering 441 pitches, exceeding the year’s previous high. In a striking sequence during the 10th inning, the Brewers scored four runs, only to have the A’s tie by scoring four of their own in the bottom.
Outlier Home Runs
Elevation contributed to some extreme outlier home runs, including one by Brewers catcher William Contreras, who sent a ball 463 feet—the second-longest of the year—despite falling back during the swing. As Contreras celebrated, Nick Kurtz approached the plate with a runner at second, one strike away from a game-ending out. Kurtz unleashed a 110 mph shot, traveling 447 feet to tighten the score to 14-13.
Astonishing Moments
A’s catcher Jonah Heim executed a pinch-hit that appeared to be a routine pop-up. Yet, the ball carried 398 feet over the fence, achieving a game-tying home run. The hit, exhibiting a 94.6 mph exit velocity, had a batting average expectation of .000 across all 30 MLB stadiums. However, in Las Vegas, the remarkable environment turned the hit into an unlikely home run.
Impact of the Team’s Move
As the team transitions to a new stadium on The Strip, expected to open for the 2028 season, the location will be 2,300 feet above sea level—lower than Summerlin’s elevation. The A’s new stadium could lead to more high-scoring contests, mirroring Monday’s slugfest. Anticipated stadium dimensions signal the potential for further lively hit outcomes.
Roof designs may mitigate the ball’s travel when closed throughout the sweltering summer, though similar scoring dynamics could persist. A’s pitchers may be challenged, while fantasy baseball enthusiasts should consider athletes from Las Vegas for strong lineups. Ian Miller provides insight into this and more at OutKick.