The Tampa Bay Rays drew their largest crowd at Tropicana Field since 2016 on Monday in Game 3 of the American League Division Series.
With 32,251 fans in attendance, the Rays defeated Zack Greinke and the juggernaut Houston Astros 10-3 to avoid a series sweep.
"About time," outfielder Tommy Pham replied when asked what it was like to play in front of a crowd that size at home, according to FOX Sports Florida & Sun.
"I might get in trouble for saying that," Pham smirked.
Despite being near the top of the American League standings for most of the regular season, the Rays averaged 14,734 fans in 2019, which was the second-lowest attendance in MLB behind the Miami Marlins.
"The whole season we were expecting something like that," shortstop Willy Adames said of the big crowd, according to Josh Tolentino of The Athletic. "I'm happy that everybody came and (showed) support. I'm expecting that for tomorrow, too."
Tampa hosts Houston at the Trop again on Tuesday, with Diego Castillo beginning what is expected to be a bullpen day for the Rays. The Astros will counter with Justin Verlander, who allowed just one hit in seven innings in Game 1.
