This evening, the Athletics will resume action in Las Vegas, beginning a three-game series against the last-place Colorado Rockies at Las Vegas Ballpark. Earlier this week, the A’s hit a franchise record-tying 15 home runs over three games against the Milwaukee Brewers’ pitching staff, which has been one of the best in the league this season.
Now, the likes of Nick Kurtz, Shea Langeliers and Tyler Soderstrom get to tee off against a Rockies pitching staff that enters this upcoming series with the worst ERA in MLB.
However, A’s pitchers have not been that much better, posting the seventh-worst ERA and allowing the fifth-most home runs in the majors. Playing home games at minor league ballparks in Sacramento and, this week, Las Vegas, has been a major reason why the team has struggled to keep opposing squads off the scoreboard this season.
While the Rockies’ offensive firepower is nowhere near the Brewers’ level, they still have several major league hitters who are accustomed to playing in a hitter-friendly, high-altitude environment.
Given the prolific offense over the first three games in Vegas, it seems likely that this weekend’s matchups will be similarly high-scoring affairs, unless A’s pitchers can continue their momentum after limiting the Brewers to only three runs in Wednesday’s series finale.
Of the Athletics’ three projected starting pitchers, Jeffrey Springs is the biggest question mark following his rough outing on Monday. J.T. Ginn held his own on Tuesday night, while Gage Jump brings extensive experience pitching in Triple-A games in Las Vegas into his start tonight.
Off the field, there are a couple things worth noting. First, during the Brewers series, there appeared to be more Milwaukee fans in attendance than A’s fans, and chants of “Let’s go Brewers!” could be heard multiple times on the Athletics’ television broadcast.
It would not be surprising to see that repeated again, especially given Denver’s close proximity to Las Vegas. Having abandoned their passionate fanbase in the Bay Area, the A’s have a long road ahead to get Vegas locals aboard the bandwagon. They are beginning to immerse themselves in the l0cal community by visiting the children’s hospital and volunteering with the food bank.
Lastly, the weather will be extremely hot, particularly during Sunday’s afternoon series finale in Las Vegas. The A’s and Rockies are expected to play in triple-digit desert heat, with first pitch scheduled for 12:05 p.m. The conditions could pose a heat-related health risk for players, stadium workers and fans, while also making an already hitter-friendly environment even more favorable for offense.
Will Athletics center fielder Lawrence Butler start contributing more consistently after his huge game-winning home run on Wednesday night or was that hit an anomaly?
Through nearly 70 games, the 2026 A’s have proven adept at coming back late in games.
Prospect update: Right-handed pitcher Nathan Dettmer is emerging as a name to watch, having pitched well across two A-ball levels this season.
Kurtz and Langeliers deserve to represent the A’s at next month’s All-Star Game in Philadelphia. Now it’s up to A’s fans on this site and beyond to vote for them and help them earn this well-deserved honor.
