The Texas Rangers clinched a 5-1 victory against the Oakland Athletics, with Wyatt Langford and Adolis García hitting crucial home runs. The game marked the final scheduled night baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum, as the A’s prepare to relocate to Sacramento for at least the next three seasons while they await the completion of a new ballpark in Las Vegas.
A lively crowd of 35,270 gathered on a chilly September evening, often chanting “Sell the team!” to owner John Fisher. The Athletics have called the Coliseum home since 1968, and a tribute video honoring the stadium played before the game. The outfield grass was also inscribed with “Thank You Oakland” as a farewell gesture to the city.
In a sentimental moment, A’s manager Mark Kotsay chose to keep the lineup card from the previous night’s 5-4 victory, recognizing it might be the team’s final win in Oakland. As anticipation grows for Thursday’s sold-out finale, heightened security measures have been put in place.
Kotsay opted to let the team’s performance speak for itself in showing gratitude to the fans, emphasizing the unique bond between the city of Oakland and the Athletics organization. He acknowledged the special connection fans, players, coaches, managers, and staff form with the city, regardless of the team’s departure.
Reflecting the city’s spirit, MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This” played between Texas batters during the sixth inning, adding a local touch to the game. The Rangers took an early lead against A’s pitcher Brady Basso, with Langford’s two-run homer in the first inning and García’s two-run drive in the third inning contributing to the win.
Matt Festa secured the win for the Rangers by pitching 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief, while Basso struggled on the mound, yielding five runs and six hits in just three innings. Looking ahead, Rangers’ RHP Kumar Rocker will face off against A’s RHP J.T. Ginn in the series’ final game.
