The Las Vegas Athletics' unofficial debut at their temporary minor league ballpark became a bizarre sideshow, complete with fighter jet flyovers and Nick Carter's first pitch. But once the game started, the real spectacle emerged: ground balls launching over infielders and routine flies turning into homers as 11 long balls and 29 runs highlighted the park's offensive absurdity.

Brewers starter Kyle Harrison, one of baseball's best pitchers, surrendered eight earned runs in just 2⅓ innings, watching his ERA spike from 1.57 to 2.72. A's backup catcher Jonah Heim delivered the game's signature moment, tying the score at 14 with a 95 mph rocket launched at a preposterous 48-degree angle. Manager Mark Kotsay acknowledged the obvious: this is an offensive ballpark, though the double meaning wasn't lost on anyone.

Owner John Fisher, typically reclusive during Oakland's final years, embraced his new role as Las Vegas's most enthusiastic ambassador. He sang the national anthem, ate ballpark fare, and genuinely appeared thrilled watching his $2 billion futuristic stadium rise just 20 miles away. The new venue promises 30,000 seats with cable-net glass walls and hydrotherapy recovery pools.

The A's are playing six games in Vegas this week while temperatures threaten to hit 109 degrees by Sunday. This dry run felt more like West Sacramento with extra glitter, suggesting the organization still has significant work ahead before their 2028 opening day.