Rays center fielder rooting for Purdue in NCAA tournament

Kiermaier is proud of Purdue PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Kevin Kiermaier is amped up for the Boilermakers.

The Rays' center fielder, an Indiana native, is smitten with Purdue University, so he's excited about their chances in this year's NCAA March Madness tournament. The fortunes of the team mean a lot to him.

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"It hurts when they lose," Kiermaier said. "I care too much. That's because I'm a real fan. I live and die through those games."

Kiermaier always sports Purdue gear this time of year. On Friday, he'll be locked in and ready to go when No. 2 Purdue plays No. 3 Texas Tech in a 9:57 p.m. ET game.

"I love when they pull off those great wins," Kiermaier said. "It just makes…