The Chicago Cubs (6-6) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (5-7) 6-2 on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field to win the three-game interleague series.
The Cubs got the scoring started with a solo homer from Nico Hoerner in the first, before Jonathan Aranda drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the third that tied the game 1-1. The Cubs then used a five-run fifth inning to take control of the game. Jake Fraley drove in the second run of the game for the Rays in the eighth to cut the Cubs lead to 6-2, which would prove to be the final score.
Joe Boyle (0-1, 5.17) got the started and allowed six runs – five of them earned – on four hits while striking out three and walking three. Collin Rea (1-0, 3.18) got the win for the Cubs after allowing just one earned run on two hits in his five innings of work.
The Rays are now off on Thursday and will begin a three-game series against the Yankees on Friday night. First pitch from Tropicana Field is scheduled for 7:10 PM on Friday night – pregame coverage begins with Ronnie Lane hosting Inside Pitch at 6:00 PM on 95.7 WDAE & AM 620, your Home of Rays Baseball.
COVER PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES