Game 5 of the World Series saw its first error before the first pitch was even thrown.
Staind lead singer Aaron Lewis accidentally rearranged the lyrics of “The Star-Spangled Banner” while performing the national anthem on Sunday night. He began the song, “O, say can you see/by the dawn’s early light/what so proudly we hailed,” but then rather then continuing, “at the twilight’s last gleaming,” Lewis sang, “were so gallantly streaming.”
That line comes later in the tune.
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The nationally televised game was broadcast on Fox. Players James Shields and Tim Lincecum could both be seen on-camera reacting to Lewis’ flub.
Lewis has since issued an apology for his mistake.
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“All I can say is I’m sorry and ask for the Nation’s forgiveness,” Lewis said in a statement on his website. “My nerves got the best of me and I am completely torn up about what happened. America is the greatest country in the world.”
“‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ means so much to so many, including myself,” he continued. “I hope everyone can understand the intensity of the situation and my true intent of this performance. I hope that the Nation, Major League Baseball and the many fans of our national pastime can forgive me.”
Watch the video of Aaron Lewis singing his version of the National Anthem above.
The San Francisco Giants topped the visiting Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Sunday, and now lead the best-of-seven World Series 3 games to 2.