ST. PETERSBURG -- Life along scalpers row outside Tropicana Field can be lonely. Just ask Mike Nerad. The 45-year-old season ticket holder had an extra ticket to sell for Thursday's game. By 11:15 a.m., no nibbles.

"My wife's working," said Nerad, explaining the lone extra ticket for Section 317. Nerad will be sitting next to whomever buys his extra. "I've seen these tickets selling online for $500 apiece. If I can make $100, $150, that'd be great."

But he also wants to see the game. "If it gets close to game time, I'll just unload it," he says.

Nerad, wearing a gray Rays T-shirt, said he has never had trouble selling his tickets between Gates 5 and 6 off 16th Street. But he only asked face value, he admits.

Three others swarmed around him, selling more tickets, better tickets -- and to their advantage, they aren't wasting time talking to a reporter.

"Don't worry," Nerad said. "It'll sell."

Aaron Sharockman, Times Staff Writer

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