CHICAGO (AP) — Christopher Morel made an immediate impact for Tampa Bay in his return to Wrigley Field.

Morel hit a three-run homer for the Rays in their series opener against the Chicago Cubs on Friday. The 26-year-old Morel was playing his first game against his first major league team.

Chandler Simpson hit a leadoff single and Yandy Díaz walked before Morel batted in the first inning against Matthew Boyd. After hearing some cheers from the crowd, Morel hit a towering drive into the bleachers in left-center.

He struck out looking in his second plate appearance of the afternoon.

Morel's 11th homer of the season provided a fast start for a Tampa Bay team on the fringe of the AL wild-card race. Coming into the day, the Rays had dropped five of six.

With his energetic style and enthus

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