The Red Sox have entered the villa: ‘Love Island USA' stars throw first pitch at baseball game
has a tattoo of a Red Sox logo, said in
The eight-week show that ended in July features ready-to-mingle singles called 'Islanders' who lounge in a luxurious villa in the South Pacific while competing for love and a $100,000 prize. The 'Islanders' participate in challenges and are at the whim of public opinion as viewers vote for the couples they want to stay on the show.
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The show's popularity surged this summer, offering a welcome escape for many viewers.
were viewed more than 632 million times in June, a 232 percent increase from season six,
On July 13, Arenales and Espinal were chosen by viewers as the season's winners. Arenales won the $100,000 prize but immediately chose to split it with Espinal.
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Espinal, who fans called
The couple has
went on a media tour after their win, appearing on the
T
'Can we pull you for a chat & first pitch, Amaya & Bryan?,' the Red Sox
While Espinal's throw didn't quite make it to home plate, Arenales gave her an 'A+' for effort, he said in the
'It was amazing and beautiful,' Espinal said in the interview. Her arm intertwined with Arenales's, Espinal said 'the fact that we're embracing the culture and embracing the people and all of us here as a union is amazing. I feel blessed.'
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Amaya Espinal of Love Island reacts after a ceremonial pitch before a game between the Kansas City Royals and the Boston Red Sox.
Brian Fluharty/Getty
Arenales said
throwing out the first pitch was a 'childhood dream.'
'I grew up coming to games and everything, so going in there, I just felt like the
little kid inside me was jumping around and I got to do it with Amaya,' he said
In the grandstand Monday, Gen X men with only a vague understanding of 'Love Island USA' asked their Gen Z daughters to explain the appeal.
Cassidy Shubatt, a Harvard doctoral student clad in a backwards cap, said she studies economics and her next podcast episode will explore the economics of the show.
She was at the game with her fiancé and parents, who were visiting from Dubuque, Iowa.
'I did not know they were going to be here, but I'm a big Love Island fan,' said Shubatt, 28. 'I watched all summer.'
College students Clara De Barros and Bryce Lajoie bought their tickets two hours before the 7 p.m. game.
'They were so expensive, and we were debating if we should even come, but I'm so glad we did because I got to see that,' De Barros, 19.
Lajoie rattled off player stats while De Barros posted a photo of the 'Love Island USA' couple to her Snapchat.
'I didn't watch Love Island but I make her come to these games, so it's fun that there's something here for both of us,' Lajoie, 20, said.
'And I make him watch Love Island,' De Barros said with a laugh.
Claire Thornton can be reached at
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