The music group Staind were guests of Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Eric Hinske before Saturday's Game 2. The band originated in Springfield, Mass., yet Scott Boculac, the band's audio guy, is from St. Petersburg. He wore a Rays cap.
"I'm a (Boston) Red Sox fan," guitarist Mike Mushok said. "But at least I didn't wear any gear, since I am here with the Rays."
Hinske met the band last season when he was a member of the Red Sox.
The band is playing tonight in Orlando.
David Ortiz and Alex Cora joined Hinske in chatting with the band during batting practice.
Play it again
Saxophonist B.K. Jackson, a student at Tampa Blake High School, returned to the Trop on Saturday and played the national anthem before Game 2 of the ALCS.
Jackson played the anthem before Game 1 on Friday and before Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Chicago White Sox.
Count Rays manager Joe Maddon as a huge fan of Jackson.
"I'm going to put on a show," Jackson said before he wowed the sold-out crowd with his rendition of the anthem. "And hopefully the Rays will take care of the rest."
Stat of the day
9: Consecutive ALCS games with a hit by Boston third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who singled in his first at-bat Saturday.
Strike, baby
Dick Vitale was nervous he would embarrass himself when he threw out the first pitch Saturday before Game 2. Turns out, he did just fine.
With his grandchildren Conner, Jake and Ryan by his side, the Hall of Fame college basketball announcer and Lakewood Ranch resident fired a strike to Rays catcher John Jaso.
Rest, lads
The Rays opted not to travel to Boston after Saturday's game, as is the norm on get-away days during the regular season.
Since their workout at Fenway Park isn't scheduled until 6:30 p.m. tonight, Maddon decided to let his players enjoy one more night in their own beds. They will fly to Boston at noon, work out and have a relaxing night to themselves.
Game 3 is scheduled for 4:37 p.m. on Monday.
ALCS schedule
RAYS VS. RED SOX
Game 1
Boston 2, Tampa Bay 0
Game 2
Boston at Tampa Bay, late
Game 3, Monday
Tampa Bay (Garza 11-9) at Boston (Lester 16-6), 4:37 p.m.
Game 4, Tuesday
Tampa Bay (Sonnanstine 13-9) at Boston (Wakefield 10-11), 8:07 p.m.
Game 5, Thursday
Tampa Bay at Boston, 8:07 p.m., if necessary
Game 6, Saturday
Boston at Tampa Bay, 4:37 p.m., if necessary
Game 7, Oct. 19
Boston at Tampa Bay, 8:07 p.m., if necessary
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