Athletics Experience Wacky High-Scoring Game in Las Vegas

The Athletics, previously based in Oakland, are transitioning to Las Vegas, setting the stage with several home games at Las Vegas Ballpark. This temporary move is part of their plan to build a fanbase before settling into their new stadium on The Strip in 2028. The Las Vegas Ballpark, normally home to the Triple-A Las Vegas Aviators, sits in the Summerlin area, at the base of the nearby mountains. Its elevation exceeds 3,000 feet, second only to Coors Field in Denver among Major League stadiums.

Monday evening’s match against the Milwaukee Brewers was strikingly unusual. Despite the ballpark’s larger dimensions, the high altitude contributed to a thrilling 15-14 victory for the Athletics in 12 innings. This outcome has occurred in only 18 Major League games since 1900, with the last instance in 2019. The game stood as the season’s highest-scoring contest.

The score wasn’t the only unusual aspect. Combined, the Brewers and A’s blasted an astounding 11 home runs. Two Athletics players, Tyler Soderstrom and Nick Kurtz, each contributed two home runs. Both teams accumulated 31 hits and used 14 pitchers, resulting in a staggering 441 pitches. In the 10th inning, the Brewers’ four-run lead was erased by four runs from the Athletics.

The high elevation produced extraordinary home runs, including a 463-foot hit by Brewers catcher William Contreras. Uniquely, Contreras ended up on his back while hitting the season’s second-longest homer.

Another rare event occurred during the bottom of the 10th with the A’s down 14-11. Nick Kurtz’s powerful hit narrowed the gap to 14-13. Then, Athletics catcher Jonah Heim hit a seemingly routine pop-up that surprisingly became a game-tying home run. Statcast data indicated such a hit wouldn’t clear the fence in any Major League park, highlighting the Las Vegas environment’s impact.

As the Athletics prepare for their permanent move to a new stadium on The Strip, adjustments will be necessary. The new park will be at an elevation of approximately 2,300 feet, still conducive to high scores. A retractable roof may temper conditions somewhat during hot summer months. However, if the recent game sets a precedent, games in Las Vegas could often be slugfests. This dynamic makes Athletics players potentially valuable in fantasy baseball leagues.