Game 24: August 31, 2014 Red Sox at Rays

I decided to rent a car in Tampa and it was a good choice, as there are few public transportation options and the stadium isn't close to the airport. And cars are cheap in Tampa. The cost of the car, with tax, stadium parking, and gas, was $43. It was a beautiful drive on a beautiful day and there was close $10 parking in a non-sanctioned lot a block from the stadium. So let's start with the obligatory stadium selfie.

The stadium felt tiny and there weren't a lot of food options. I found no decent beer.

I opted for a Papa John's pizza and it was awful. My mistake.

I don't like domed stadiums. You feel like you're in someone's living room, not outdoors at the ballpark. Tampa is the only dedicated domed stadium. Milwaukee and Seattle were open when I was there. Houston was closed. I'm sure that saved me from the heat, but it still felt off. I have yet to go to Toronto or Arizona.

I did get my cowbell. Apparently that's necessary to cheer on the Rays.

And this fellow came over to say hi. He's not a "ray." I have no idea what he was.

Taylor Buchholz was amazing for the Sox. I've never seen anyone throw his first 15 pitches for strikes. He was brilliant and pitched a shutout.

It's no surprise that Tampa is one of the worst stadiums. I don't think even the Rays want to play in it.