The Chicago Cubs jumped out early, but the Tampa Bay Rays had the response—and the finishing power. Tampa Bay fell behind by two runs in the second inning.

The Rays played all last season in the home run prone Steinbrenner Field, and made their return to the pitcher-friendly Tropicana Field by….hitting three home runs. They won their home opener against the Chicago Cubs 6-4.

The Cubs came up short Sunday and lost the series to the visiting Nats.

Don't miss this unique look at Jonathan Aranda's two-run home run against the Cubs in the bottom of the 7th inning

Swanson went 1-for-4 with a two-run home run in Sunday's 6-5 loss to the Guardians.

So it’s a one-run game heading to the bottom of the seventh and Phil Maton entered in relief. Maton walked the leadoff hitter, which is never, ever good. He did retire the next two hitters, including Taylor Walls on this nice diving catch by Happ [VIDEO]. Unfortunately, Jonathan Aranada then put one in orbit to make it 6-3 [VIDEO].

Junior Caminero hits a home run and Jonathan Aranda's two-run home run in the Rays' 6-4 win over the Cubs

Chicago Cubs southpaw Matthew Boyd faces a Washington Nationals offense that finished 28th in wOBA against lefties in 2025, and the Cubbies will draw Washington rookie Cade Cavalli following a dominant spring of 14 scoreless innings while allowing just six baserunners.

At Tropicana Field on Monday, the Chicago Cubs (4-5) begin a three-game series versus the Tampa Bay Rays (4-5), at 4:10 p.m. ET. A projected close matchup pits the Cubs (-112 moneyline odds to win) against the Rays (-107). The Cubs will start Jameson Taillon against the Rays and Shane McClanahan (0-1).

Meanwhile, Shōta Imanaga was mowing down Guardians hitters. He had allowed just two hits and a walk through five innings, then Steven Kwan doubled leading off the sixth. That was it for Shōta, who had a nice outing, throwing 92 pitches (62 strikes). Here’s more on Imanaga’s afternoon [VIDEO].

Our Angels vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks for Tuesday, March 31, are backing L.A. right-hander Jose Soriano to rack up the Ks.