Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/8/26): Cubs 6, Rays 2 – 5-Run Inning Topples Tampa Bay

The Cubs made it back-to-back quality offensive performances for the first time all season Wednesday night at Tropicana Field. In this game, they did most of the damage in one big inning to beat the Rays and take the series.

Chicago jumped ahead immediately when Nico Hoerner hit a solo home run off of Joe Boyle to lead off the top of the 1st. Colin Rea got the start and did a very nice job, giving up only a 3rd inning Jonathan Aranda sacrifice fly in five frames.

The North Siders broke the game wide open against Boyle with five runs in the top of the 5th. Michael Conforto cleared the bases with a three-run double, then came home on a two-base hit by Hoerner. A throwing error by Tampa catcher Hunter Feduccia brought home Nico to make it 6-1.

The Rays added one run on a Jake Fraley RBI single in the bottom of the 8th, but that was all they could muster as the Cubs won 6-2 (Box score)

Key Moment

A double and two walks loaded the bases for Chicago in the top of the 5th, and they took full advantage of the opportunity with a pair of extra-base hits.

Why the Cubs Won

Another good starting pitching effort that got backed up by a big crooked number on the scoreboard.

Stats That Matter

• Rea has done well in his two appearances after Cade Horton went down: 5 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 K, and 2 BB.
• Hoerner ended up a triple short of the cycle and has held his own leading off against righties.
• Carson Kelly had two hits, including a double.

Bottom Line

The Cubs are back to .500 and the offense is finally starting to click as expected heading into the season. The anticipated return of Seiya Suzuki from injury on Friday should be an additional boost to the lineup. This would be a good time for them to go on their first winning streak of 2026.

On Deck

After an off day on Thursday, the Cubs return to Wrigley Field for a series against the Pirates starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Shōta Imanaga goes up against Carmen Mlodzinski in a contest airing on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.