Will The Athletics Become AL's Version Of The Rockies?
Las Vegas got its first real taste of what's to come on Monday night, when the Athletics – who move to the city full-time in 2028. Suffice it to say, it was a fireworks show.
The night game at Las Vegas Ballpark, home of the A's Triple-A affiliate Aviators, featured 29 runs on 34 hits, including 11 home runs.
It goes down as the fourth game in MLB history with at least 29 runs and 11 homers.
Related: MLB Brings Wild New Format To All-Star Weekend
"The most bizarre game I've ever had in Major League Baseball in 11 years," Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. "I never saw anything like it."
The Brewers rallied from an 8-4, third-inning deficit to tie the game 10-10 in the ninth. It goes wilder from there.
Each team scored four runs in the 10th, then neither could muster a run in the 11th. Automatic runner Christian Yelich stole third then scored on a Brice Turang fielder's choice, and pitcher Chad Patrick stranded the A's last chance at third for a Milwaukee 15-14 win.
Was it an anomaly that so many runs were scored in this MLB game in Vegas? If you believe Coors Field has natural forces pushing the ball out, then the answer is No.
The Rockies' stadium in Denver is known for home runs and an extreme amount of scoring compared to other MLB locales. Much of that is due to the altitude.
At 5,280 feet above sea level, Coors Field is the only stadium with dramatically thinner air, leading to significantly reduced drag on fly balls. Balls carry farther, making it a notorious hitter's park.
More From Lindy's Sports:
- deGrom's Hall of Fame case strengthened after latest milestone
- Could The Dodgers Trade For Skubal?
- Myles Garrett Trade Grades Mixed
Right now, the Arizona Diamondbacks' stadium in Phoenix has the second-highest elevation of any park, at about 1,110 feet above sea level. Atlanta's Truist Park is around 1,000 feet.
Las Vegas sits about 3,000 feet above sea level.
The Athletics may turn into the American League's version of the Rockies in 2028.
We have a few more games to see if the trend continues. The Athletics' three-game series with the Brewers is followed by three more in Vegas against the Colorado Rockies.
Las Vegas Ballpark dimensions are actually bigger than many MLB stadiums. It's 415 feet to straight center, and 340 feet to the corners. The new Athletics ballpark will have the same field dimensions. It is being built on the Vegas Strip and looks to be a marvel of a venue with a modest 33,000 seats.
Related: MLB salary cap proposal could fix baseball's biggest problem
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 5:35 PM.