Affection emerges from surprising spots.

Connections often start via quick app matches or a classic bashful stare in a packed tavern.

Rihanna notes it might also surface after searching thoroughly in an unpromising location.

Yet on a steamy evening in southern Florida, love arrows flew swifter than a powerful baseball hit near the fried chicken stand on the upper walkway of LoanDepot Park.

Amid chants of "We've Got McGinn..." echoing through the marching group at the Miami Marlins versus Texas Rangers game, a woman beamed while displaying a sign aimed at the passing crowd.

"Seeking a Scot" read the note beside a saltire and Cuban flag with a kiss mark. Success came right away.

Her instant hug from an eager Tartan Army member proves bold moves can pay off.

Whether he recalls the moment later remains uncertain.

Though few in the US created signs declaring their fondness, the welcome for the visiting Scots during this World Cup feels stronger than the intense Florida heat.

Here came another town, another baseball outing with the Texas Rangers, another wave of visitors and another memorable evening of lively fun.

Seasons of school rounders drills now serve the Scotland fans well as they enjoyed their second baseball game in just over a week.

The historic Fenway Park seats in Boston gave way to this covered arena in central Miami.

Outside, Nick Morgan performed his song "No Scotland No Party" before thousands of supporters in a lively, sweaty scene.

Inside the cool venue, the highlight was not the large mascot Billy the Marlin but small Billy the Scot.

The Tartan Army, boosting attendance to 20,008 for the largest Monday night crowd since 2017, stood and cheered as Billy Gilmour appeared from the dugout area.

Wearing a knee brace and Marlins jersey, the sidelined Scotland and Napoli player limped to the mound and tossed the ceremonial first pitch.

The crowd erupted as if a statue had been topped with a traffic cone. Oor Billy smiled widely and waved before heading back.

Some might view this as simply profiting from fans arriving after the Fenway event, with clear gains in attendance and drink sales.

Yet like the Red Sox game, this offered a special memory on an unforgettable journey of matches, mates, long hot dogs and shaky base runs.

The ballpark evening will be remembered fondly for years.

Plenty of planning enhanced the occasion.

A tartan themed menu appeared at concessions. One fan with a Dundee United tattoo rated his mince and tattie hot dog highly, though he preferred the action at Tannadice.

DJ CP, positioned across the arena with a Scotland flag on his shoulders, shared his excitement about playing "Bits and Pieces" along with Beatles tracks.

Even a local supporter shifted her season ticket spot to join the Scotland section and handed out small traffic cone souvenirs.

As daylight faded beyond the glass wall near Home Run Harbour and the ice cream stand, with the Miami skyline dimming, the Scots lifted the mood further.

During the sixth inning the St Andrews Pipe Band of Miami, encircled by phones and selfie sticks, played so strongly that a Marlins score was barely heard.

By the eighth a strong hit brought Miami within one run of the Rangers, prompting Scotland fans to rise, some intentionally.

Heading into the last inning Mr CP chose the Proclaimers to inspire a Marlins win.

Instead another loss followed as the Tartan Army left LoanDepot Park, having seen more Rangers victories than Scotland ones at this World Cup. Unusual times indeed.

Opportunity remains to shift that trend, and on this extraordinary journey a few lucky moments hinted at positive signs ahead.

Stephen McGinn, brother of Scotland star John, snared a stray baseball after it bounced off a bat, hit a railing and landed in his hands.

Another town. Another ballpark. Another Tartan Army celebration.

Scotland's last Group C match versus Brazil on Wednesday could determine whether this trip romance continues.