Cubs Offense Explodes in 9-2 Win Over Rays

Assad, Conforto, and Ballesteros lead the way as Cubs even series in Tampa Bay

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:33am

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A fractured, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting a baseball game, with sharp, overlapping planes representing the action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the Cubs' offensive explosion and Assad's dominant pitching performance in their victory over the Rays.Chicago Today

The Chicago Cubs bounced back from a slow start to the 2026 season with a dominant 9-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night. Starter Javier Assad was stellar, retiring the first 12 batters he faced, while the offense erupted for nine runs led by Michael Conforto, Moisés Ballesteros, and Pete Crow-Armstrong.

Why it matters

After a sluggish opening to the season, this offensive outburst is an encouraging sign for the Cubs, who are looking to rebound and contend in the NL Central. With pitcher Cade Horton out for the year, the team will need consistent production from starters like Assad to keep pace in the division.

The details

The Cubs jumped out to an early 4-0 lead in the 2nd and 3rd innings, with RBI hits from Michael Conforto and Matt Shaw, a throwing error, and a sacrifice fly from Ballesteros. Assad was dominant on the mound, not allowing a run through the first 5.2 innings. Nico Hoerner and Ballesteros added RBI hits late to put the game out of reach for the Rays.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Cubs scored four runs in the 2nd and 3rd innings.

The players

Javier Assad

The Cubs starting pitcher who retired the first 12 batters he faced and allowed just 1 hit over 5.2 scoreless innings.

Michael Conforto

The Cubs outfielder who had an RBI single and reached base four times in the game.

Moisés Ballesteros

The Cubs catcher who hit a sacrifice fly and a two-run home run to drive in three runs.

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What they’re saying

“We've been waiting for this kind of offensive outburst. When our pitching and hitting both show up, we're a tough team to beat.”

— David Ross, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs and Rays will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Wednesday night at 5:40pm CT. Colin Rea is scheduled to start for the Cubs against Tampa Bay's Joe Boyle.

The takeaway

This game demonstrated the Cubs' potential when their starting pitching and lineup both perform at a high level. If they can build on this type of all-around effort, they could emerge as a contender in the NL Central despite the loss of Cade Horton for the season.