With the win, the Cubs have won seven straight games and are 18 games over .500, both season highs. Chicago began the day with a 3 1/2-game lead over Milwaukee in the National League Central.
This is the Cubs' second trip to the Rays' ballpark, and first since 2008. The series provided Maddon a chance to check on his offseason home after Hurricane Irma charged through the state as well as catch up with some old friends. It marked his first trip to the Trop since he managed the Rays for nine seasons from 2006-14, compiling a 754-705 record (.