Rays Return to Tropicana Field with Victory Over Cubs

Tampa Bay sluggers power past Chicago in first home game in over a year and a half.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:37pm

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A vibrant, expressionist painting featuring bold, sweeping brushstrokes in neon shades of blue, orange, and green, capturing the dynamic energy and celebratory mood of a baseball game at Tropicana Field.The Rays' triumphant return to their home stadium is marked by a colorful, energetic display of the team's offensive firepower.St. Petersburg Today

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in their first game back at Tropicana Field after a 561-day absence. Cedric Mullins, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero each hit home runs to lead the Rays to victory in their long-awaited homecoming.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to their home stadium marks a significant milestone for the team and its fans after playing their home games elsewhere during the COVID-19 pandemic. The win also keeps the Rays competitive in the AL East division race as they look to build on their recent success.

The details

The Rays jumped out to an early lead with home runs from Mullins, Aranda, and Caminero. The Cubs mounted a late comeback attempt but ultimately fell short, allowing the Rays to secure the victory in their first game back at Tropicana Field since the start of the pandemic.

  • The Rays last played at Tropicana Field on March 12, 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced them to play home games elsewhere.
  • Monday's game (April 7, 2026) was the Rays' first at Tropicana Field in 561 days.

The players

Cedric Mullins

Rays outfielder who hit a home run in the team's victory.

Jonathan Aranda

Rays infielder who also homered in the game.

Junior Caminero

Rays outfielder who contributed a home run to the team's offensive outburst.

Tampa Bay Rays

The home team that returned to Tropicana Field for the first time in over a year and a half.

Chicago Cubs

The visiting team that fell to the Rays in Monday's game.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to be back home and playing in front of our fans again. The energy in the stadium really lifted the team today.”

— Cedric Mullins, Rays Outfielder

The takeaway

The Rays' victory in their long-awaited return to Tropicana Field is a positive sign for the team as they look to build momentum and make a push for the playoffs in the second half of the season.