Nico Hoerner's big night helps Cubs clinch series vs. Rays

Hoerner homers, drives in 3 runs as Chicago takes 2 of 3 from Tampa Bay

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:22am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes representing the players, field, and action of the game.Nico Hoerner's three-hit night, including a home run and an RBI double, fueled the Cubs' series-clinching victory over the Rays.Chicago Today

Nico Hoerner homered and drove in three runs to lead the visiting Chicago Cubs to a 6-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday, clinching the three-game series. Michael Conforto also drove in a pair of runs for the Cubs, who recorded their first series win of the 2026 season.

Why it matters

The Cubs' series victory over the Rays represents an important early-season milestone, as Chicago looks to bounce back from a disappointing start and establish itself as a contender in the National League. Hoerner's breakout performance at the plate is also a positive sign for the Cubs' offense.

The details

Hoerner went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI double, and three runs batted in to pace the Cubs' offense. Conforto drove in a pair of runs with a fifth-inning double that sparked a five-run outburst for Chicago. Cubs starter Colin Rea allowed just one run on two hits over five innings to earn the win, while the bullpen trio of Hoby Milner, Ben Brown, and Hunter Harvey combined for four scoreless frames to close out the victory.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 9, 2026.
  • Nico Hoerner's solo home run came in the first inning.

The players

Nico Hoerner

A 24-year-old infielder for the Chicago Cubs who had a standout performance, hitting a home run and driving in three runs.

Michael Conforto

A veteran outfielder for the Chicago Cubs who drove in a pair of runs with a key double in the fifth inning.

Colin Rea

The starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, who earned the win by allowing just one run over five innings.

Jake Fraley

An outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who drove in his team's second run with a single in the eighth inning.

Jonathan Aranda

An infielder for the Tampa Bay Rays who drove in his team's first run with a sacrifice fly in the third inning.

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What they’re saying

“Nico really set the tone for us tonight with that leadoff homer. He's been swinging the bat well, and it was great to see him come through in a big spot to help us win the series.”

— David Ross, Cubs Manager

What’s next

The Cubs will look to build on this series win as they continue their road trip, facing the St. Louis Cardinals in a three-game set starting on Friday.

The takeaway

Nico Hoerner's breakout performance at the plate, coupled with strong pitching and timely hitting from the rest of the Cubs lineup, allowed Chicago to clinch an important early-season series victory over the Rays. This win could provide a much-needed boost for the Cubs as they aim to turn their season around and establish themselves as contenders in the NL.