The Chicago Cubs got a solid start out of John Lackey–although it didn’t seem like it initially–and used it to beat the Tampa Bay Rays to earn a split. Lackey allowed three runs on six hits, but the bullpen held down the Rays while the offense made their comeback.
The Cubs (42-42) needed a clutch hit from Jon Jay, who was pinch-hitting for the starter Lackey. Jay connected for a three-run home run, taking Lackey (5-9, 5.20) off the hook. It erased a strong start for the Rays (44-42) starter Blake Snell (0-5, 4.