Cubs Offense Explodes After Rays Pitcher Scratched for Baby's Birth

Chicago Cubs score 9 runs on 16 hits against Tampa Bay Rays after late pitching change.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:39pm

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The Chicago Cubs' offense erupted for 9 runs on 16 hits against the Tampa Bay Rays, who had to scratch their scheduled starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen due to the unexpected early birth of his second child. The Cubs, who had been struggling at the plate to start the season, took advantage of the late pitching change and delivered a breakout performance.

Why it matters

The Cubs' offensive outburst could be a sign that their bats are starting to come alive after a slow start to the season. The team was facing one of the better pitchers in the Rays' rotation in Rasmussen, so his late scratch may have provided the spark the Cubs needed to get their offense going.

The details

The Rays were forced to make a last-minute change to their starting pitcher after Rasmussen, who has been one of the more underrated starters in MLB, had to leave to be with his wife for the birth of their second child. The Cubs took full advantage, exploding for 16 hits and 9 runs against the Rays' replacement pitcher. Several Cubs players had big nights at the plate, including Nico Hoerner, Alex Bregman, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Moises Ballesteros, Dansby Swanson, and Michael Conforto.

  • On April 7, 2026, the Chicago Cubs were scheduled to face Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen.
  • Just 4 hours before the game, Rasmussen was scratched due to the unexpected early birth of his second child.

The players

Drew Rasmussen

A 30-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who has been one of the more underrated starters in MLB. He was originally scheduled to start against the Cubs but had to be scratched due to the birth of his second child.

Nico Hoerner

A Chicago Cubs infielder who had 2 hits and 2 RBIs in the game against the Rays.

Alex Bregman

A Chicago Cubs infielder who had 3 hits in the game against the Rays.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

A Chicago Cubs outfielder who hit a home run and drove in 3 runs in the game against the Rays.

Moises Ballesteros

A Chicago Cubs player who hit a home run and drove in 3 runs in the game against the Rays.

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What they’re saying

“BREAKING: #Rays Drew Rasmussen has been scratched from today's start with his wife, Stevie, expecting their second child. Mason Englert will open today's game.”

— Ryan Bass, Reporter

What’s next

The Cubs will look to build on their offensive outburst as they continue their series against the Rays. The team will hope that this game can be a turning point in their season and help jumpstart their struggling offense.

The takeaway

The unexpected birth of Rays pitcher Drew Rasmussen's second child provided an unexpected opportunity for the Cubs' offense to break out of their early-season slump. The Cubs took full advantage, delivering one of their best offensive performances of the young season. This game could be a sign that the Cubs' bats are starting to come alive after a slow start.