--OF Kosuke Fukudome, whom manager Lou Piniella has anointed his leadoff man until LF Alfonso Soriano returns from his broken hand, started in center field. 

MEDICAL WATCH: RHP Carlos Zambrano (right shoulder soreness) left his June 18 start in the seventh inning. 

Carl Crawford's second career grand slam was the big blow in a seven-run, seventh-inning rally that carried the Tampa Bay Rays to an 8-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs and a three-game sweep of the team with baseball's best record Thursday night. 

The major league-leading Chicago Cubs arrived at Tampa hoping to build some momentum heading into their highly anticipated weekend series against their cross-town rival. 

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano is set to fly home to Chicago to be examined by a doctor after leaving the seventh inning of Wednesday night's game against Tampa Bay because of discomfort in his right shoulder. 

Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano is set to fly home to Chicago to be examined by a doctor after leaving the seventh inning of Wednesday night's game against Tampa Bay because of discomfort in his right shoulder. 

With every victory against contenders like the Chicago Cubs, the Tampa Bay Rays gain a little more confidence. 

Good pitching, solid defense and timely hitting is a winning combination the surprising Tampa Bay Rays rarely put together when they were managed by Lou Piniella. 

Attempting to identify undervalued relievers, as opposed to starters, is a whole different animal when we're talking about fantasy vs. 

MEDICAL WATCH: OF Alfonso Soriano (fractured left hand) went on the 15-day disabled list June 12. 

The Cubs made yet another roster move Tuesday, sending infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson to Class AAA Iowa and recalling outfielder Matt Murton from Iowa. 

--LF Alfonso Soriano rejoined the Cubs in Tampa on Tuesday and said he's hopeful of playing in the All-Star Game, should he be elected. 

Evan Longoria's homer snapped a sixth-inning tie. 

The Chicago Cubs, owners of the best record in baseball, discovered their last time out what teams in the AL already knew - the Tampa Bay Rays are legitimate playoff contenders. 

Cubs left fielder Alfonso Soriano will have his broken left hand re-examined Friday and hopes to return before the All-Star break next month.