ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- So much has changed since the Chicago Cubs and Tampa Bay Rays last met in early July.
When the Cubs won the finale split a two-game set at Wrigley Field, it moved them to 42-42, while the Rays came out of the series with a 44-42 record.
Fast-forward to Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.
Chicago is 83-66, looking much more like the defending World Series champions, winners of six straight. Chicago holds a 3 1/2-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers atop the National League Central.
The Rays, meanwhile, are 73-77 and have dropped three of four and seven of their past 10.