Rays Return Home with 6-4 Win Over Cubs

Mullins, Aranda, and Caminero power Tampa Bay in first Tropicana Field game in over a year

Apr. 6, 2026 at 11:46pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a baseball game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the raw excitement of the Rays' homecoming victory.The Rays' triumphant return to their home stadium is captured in a dynamic, cubist-inspired illustration that captures the energy and movement of the game.Chicago Today

The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in their first game back at Tropicana Field after playing their 2025 home games elsewhere. Cedric Mullins, Jonathan Aranda, and Junior Caminero each hit home runs to lead the Rays to victory in their long-awaited return to their domed stadium.

Why it matters

The Rays' return to Tropicana Field marks a significant milestone for the team and its fans, who have eagerly awaited the team's homecoming after a year of playing elsewhere. The win also keeps the Rays competitive in the AL East division race early in the 2026 season.

The details

The Rays jumped out to an early lead, with Mullins, Aranda, and Caminero each hitting solo home runs in the first three innings. The Cubs mounted a late comeback, scoring three runs in the 8th inning, but the Rays' bullpen was able to hold on for the victory.

  • The Rays played their last game at Tropicana Field on March 12, 2025.
  • The Rays returned to Tropicana Field on April 6, 2026 for their first home game in 561 days.

The players

Cedric Mullins

Rays outfielder who hit a solo home run in the first inning.

Jonathan Aranda

Rays infielder who hit a solo home run in the second inning.

Junior Caminero

Rays outfielder who hit a solo home run in the third inning.

Tampa Bay Rays

The home team that defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in their return to Tropicana Field.

Chicago Cubs

The visiting team that lost 6-4 to the Rays in their return to Tropicana Field.

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What they’re saying

“It was great to be back home in front of our fans. 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 provides a boost of momentum as they look to build on their success and compete for a playoff spot in the AL East this season.