You'd think America's favorite pastime would be less expensive, but baseball games are one pricey outing. The tickets are just the beginning. Factor in transportation and the obligatory peanuts and beverage of choice, and going to a major league baseball game can easily cost two people more than $100.

Recently, my husband and I went to one of the priciest ballparks in the country: Wrigley Field. The average cost for two to see the Chicago Cubs at the Friendly Confines is $116.06, according to an analysis of 2016 MLB prices from GOBankingRates. That includes tickets, parking, food and drinks. The only team more expensive to see at home is the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, where two people pay $157 on average.

But to prove it doesn't have to be so expensive, we set out to spend less than $100 at a Cubs game in late April (and not deprive ourselves of any fun). Here's how we did it.

1. Go for the Cheap Seats

When you go to a game, you want to be able to see it. But so much of what's fun about being at a ballpark is the atmosphere, and you can experience that no matter where you're sitting. We got tickets in the second-cheapest section ($10 each before tax, as opposed to $9), purely because I thought the vantage point would be better for shooting photos.

When you're looking for cheap tickets, keep in mind it's not just about seats. We opted for a weeknight game, which was much cheaper than a weekend game during the day. Taxes and fees run pretty high in Chicago, so our tickets ended up costing $18.38 each, for a total of $36.76.

2. Cut Transport Costs

Unlike a lot of ballparks, there are several ways to get to Wrigley Field. Driving is the most expensive, given that parking can cost $15 to $30 (not including gas), unless you find a free or cheap spot. There are lots of shuttles and park-and-ride options, but unless you live within walking distance, public transport is the cheapest route.

I live in the city, so we took the L (Brown Line to Red Line) from work to the Addison Red Line station, where you walk right into the glorious chaos that is the streets of Wrigleyville on game day. To get home, we took a bus.

L fare costs $2.25 roundtrip per person, and bus fare is $2 each, so we spent $8.50.

3. BYOP (Bring Your Own Peanuts)

If you take the Red Line to Addison, you'll probably pass Jeff Flores on your way out the station. A Chicago native, Flores has sold game essentials to cost-conscious fans for 17 years. "Bottled water for $1! It's $4 inside!" he yells. (Flores also sells attire, sports drinks and, on a freezing day in late April, hand warmers, which I should have purchased.)