Hoerner's bat leads Cubs past error-prone Rays 6-2

Nico Hoerner hit a leadoff homer and then delivered an RBI double during a five-run fifth inning as the Chicago Cubs beat the sloppy Tampa Bay Rays 6-2 on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

Michael Conforto had a two-run double for the Cubs, who took advantage of three Tampa Bay throwing errors in the fifth to win the rubber game of the series before an announced crowd of 20,483. It was the third time this season Tampa Bay committed three errors in a game.

Colin Rea (1-0) allowed one run in five innings.

Hoerner went 3 for 5 with two RBIs and two runs, extending his on-base streak to 11 games.

A leadoff double, two walks and Conforto’s bases-loaded double broke it open. Two throwing errors — one by right fielder Jake Fraley, the other by catcher Hunter Feduccia — helped the Cubs score two more runs before Joe Boyle (0-1) could escape. He gave up six runs, five earned, and four hits in 4 1/3 innings.

Cubs LHP Shota Imanaga (0-1, 4.50 ERA) faces Pirates RHP Carmen Mlodzinski (0-0, 4.00) on Friday at Wrigley Field.


(AP Photo Chris O'Meara)