Rangers Spoil Final Night Game At Oakland Coliseum

Fans at the Oakland Coliseum watch during the second inning of a baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers in Oakland, Calif., Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

On Wednesday night, the Texas Rangers emerged victorious with a 5-1 win over the Oakland Athletics, marking the final scheduled night baseball game at the Oakland Coliseum. The game saw standout performances from Wyatt Langford and Adolis García, who both hit home runs to contribute to the Rangers' success.

A crowd of 35,270 enthusiastic fans braved the chilly late September weather to witness the historic game. Throughout the evening, chants of 'Sell the team!' echoed through the stadium, directed at owner John Fisher. The Athletics, who have called the Coliseum home since 1968, are set to relocate to Sacramento for the next three seasons while awaiting the completion of a new ballpark in Las Vegas.

Prior to the game, a touching tribute video dedicated to the Coliseum played on the stadium's big screen. Additionally, the grounds crew paid homage to Oakland by inscribing 'Thank You Oakland' into the outfield grass for the final series.

Standout performances by Wyatt Langford and Adolis García with home runs.

Texas Rangers defeat Oakland Athletics 5-1 in final night game at Oakland Coliseum.

Crowd of 35,270 fans witness historic game amid chants directed at owner John Fisher.

Athletics to relocate to Sacramento temporarily before new ballpark in Las Vegas.

Tribute video and 'Thank You Oakland' message honor Coliseum's legacy.

A's win previous night's game 5-4 with memorable game-winning single by Jacob Wilson.

Mark Kotsay retains lineup card as potential last win in Oakland.

Heightened security for sold-out series finale; Kotsay lets team's performance speak.

Kotsay highlights special bond between A's and Oakland despite impending move.

Rangers secure win with strong pitching performance; series finale features Rocker vs. Ginn.

The previous night's game ended in a 5-4 victory for the A's, with Jacob Wilson delivering a game-winning single in the ninth inning. Manager Mark Kotsay, known for tearing up the lineup card after each game, made an exception and kept the card as a memento, recognizing it might be the team's last win in Oakland.

As the series finale approaches, heightened security measures are in place for the sold-out Thursday afternoon game. Kotsay opted not to address the fans publicly, choosing instead to let the team's performance on the field speak for itself.

Reflecting on the unique experience of being part of the A's organization, Kotsay emphasized the special bond between the team and the city of Oakland. Despite recent tensions due to the impending move, he acknowledged the unwavering support of the fans and the comfort of playing in Oakland.

In a nod to the city, the iconic song 'U Can't Touch This' by MC Hammer played between batters during the sixth inning. The Rangers capitalized on an early lead, with Langford's two-run homer in the first inning and García's two-run blast in the third inning setting the tone for the game.

Rangers pitcher Matt Festa secured the win with 2 1/3 scoreless innings in relief of starter Cody Bradford. Looking ahead, the series finale will feature Rangers' RHP Kumar Rocker against A's RHP J.T. Ginn.

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