Sacramento* Athletics v. Texas Rangers, Surprise Stadium, Surprise AZ
Final Score: 6-3 Athletics

Surprise Stadium is a shared complex between the Kansas City Athletics and the Texas Rangers. It’s a lovely little stadium of about 10K total, I would guess. Attendance today was 3,422. Well, actually, 3423, because for some reason my ticket didn’t scan, even though the ticket scanner person said it had been scanned. So I wasn’t officially counted. Count me surprised that there is no minor league team playing in this park. I assume it’s used for rehab and other purposes during the season, but man it’s a nice complex. We had seats today right behind home plate, in the last row of the section. Perfect location for watching the game. I could see all the break on the ball coming into the plate as well as almost call the pitch.

There was a lot more interaction today between players and fans, although most of it took place in the left and right field corners. Both teams had a lot of games of catch going, and every once in a while a player would come over to the corner of the stands and sigh autographs. No players being shuttled to the dugout here. Our seats were in the shade, which again was a bit of a problem as the temperature was again only 63° at game time, but with no wind or clouds it was pleasant enough. I had assumed the temperature was going to be in the mid-70s, but there seems to be a cool spell happening in the region, hence the lower temperature.

The Rangers pretty much trotted out their A lineup, with players like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, Jake Burger and Joc Pederson. The As are not a team stocked with stars, but guys like Brent Rooker, JJ Bleday, Miguel Andujar, and Seth Brown are decent hitters. I was surprised not to see Lawrence Butler in the lineup, but perhaps he’s injured or getting rest or something. He’s their up-and-coming slugger, and I have him on my rotisserie league team, so I was looking forward to getting an eye on him. Alas, no luck.

The pitching was a little second-rate. Dane Dunning started for the Rangers, while J.T. Ginn started for the As. Neither guy was dominant, and the As went on to score one run in each of the first four innings. Dunning had a rough 1st inning, but only went 2.0 IP at 49 pitches. Ginn also threw 49 pitches, but lasted 2.2 IP. There were a few challenges, but I believe a pitch was overturned only once. It was a big reversal, however, as the called strike 3 was the end of an inning. Cory Seager thought about it, then challenged, and won, getting ball 4, and bringing the As back on the field. No damage done as Josh Jung bounced into a groundout. There were a few nice dingers hit, and the sound of the bat cracking from where we were sitting was outstanding. 4 HRs in total, 2 from each team.

It was a much more subdued crowd today, however. There was a group of two families in front of us, each family having two young boys under 13. These kids packed away the food, and as Dad kept coming back with more food in my head I kept estimating the cost. They probably spent close to $200 for food for everyone, and some of the food they didn’t finish. Makes my head spin a little.

I did get to see the As young fireballing closer, Mason Miller, who is also on my rotisserie team. He got up to 103 today as easy as you please. He does not have pinpoint control yet, but the ease with which he gets the ball over 100MPH is astounding. I had to check the radar on the scoreboard even to believe it. Over on Texas' side. Alejandro Osuna was the standout to me, going 2-3 late in the game. He’s batting .444 in spring training. He’s a non-roster invitee who seems to be making some noise. He’s 22. I expect he will be at AAA for most of the season, but he did not look bad.

Food consumed: One chicken fingers with tots (AML); one Cactus Dog (me, a hot dog bent to look like a cactus, deep fried, with a cheesy nacho sauce and picante); one Triple Play ice cream sundae (shared). Time of game 2:41. Another fine day at the ballpark.

A hot dog at the ball park is better than a steak at the Ritz.

Humphrey Bogart, from a sign hanging along the concession wall

*The Athletics do not officially have a city identified with them. They are simply referred to as the Athletics (ATH). They are playing their 2025 season in Sacramento CA prior to their eventual move to Las Vegas, hence the * for their city name