The Tampa Bay Rays defeated the Chicago Cubs 6-4 in their home opener at Tropicana Field on Monday, the first game there in 561 days following repairs from Hurricane Milton. Shane McClanahan started on the mound before a sold-out crowd of 25,114, with home runs from Cedric Mullins, Junior Caminero and Jonathan Aranda securing the victory. CEO Ken Babby called it a great American comeback story.
ST. PETERSBURG -- Rays CEO Ken Babby marveled at the final preparations just an hour before gates opened at 2:10 p.m., noting the staff's lack of sleep and high energy amid the scent of wet paint and ongoing drywall work. Shane McClanahan fired a 93.4 mph fastball to Cubs leadoff hitter Nico Hoerner two hours later, marking baseball's return after nearly 18 months of uncertainty and repairs from Hurricane Milton's destruction. McClanahan walked four over four one-hit innings but expressed determination to improve his strike-throwing. Relievers limited the Cubs to two runs on three hits, while the Rays improved to 5-5 with the solid defensive effort and timely power hitting. Manager Kevin Cash described the day as unique for Rays baseball, emphasizing the importance of delivering a good show for the enthusiastic fans. A pregame ceremony hosted by broadcaster Andy Freed featured a video on the hurricane damage and community repair efforts, ending with the message that resilience requires an entire community. Country star Eric Church performed the national anthem as first responders, roof workers and staff unfurled a giant American flag in center field. Fans roared especially for McClanahan, Yandy Díaz, Jonathan Aranda and Caminero during introductions. The ballpark boasts upgrades including a brighter roof, expanded right-field video boards, new signage and an enhanced clubhouse with better carpeting, lockers and weight room. Shortstop Taylor Walls likened the previous season at George M. Steinbrenner Field to a long road trip, while starter Drew Rasmussen affirmed it feels like home. Junior Caminero beamed, saying it felt like being 10 years old again.
