Wrigley Field, the historic home of the Chicago Cubs, experienced a night unlike any before in its 112-year history. Saturday night’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals featured a trifecta of weather phenomena: rain, fog, and fireworks.
The Cubs faced a 58-minute rain delay before succumbing 3-0 to the Cardinals. Following that, a 15-minute fog delay occurred just before the seventh inning. To wrap up the unusual night, a postgame fireworks display celebrated the Fourth of July.
“That was brutal,” commented Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. “I’ve never seen anything like that.”
A severe thunderstorm hit Wrigley Field, causing the initial delay before any pitches were thrown. Once the rain ceased, an expansive American flag was displayed across most of the outfield during the national anthem. Meanwhile, fog began to envelop the field.
The fog intensified as Cardinals second baseman JJ Wetherholt hit a home run on the first pitch thrown by Cubs starter Shota Imanaga. Visibility issues arose, especially when the Cardinals scored an additional run in the third inning. By the sixth inning, the fog noticeably affected gameplay. Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn hit a flyout, and Crow-Armstrong struggled slightly before making the catch.
During the sixth inning, dense fog caused many fielders and fans to lose sight of objects. Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted, “It was playable, then the upper deck and center field flag disappeared from view.”
The fog reached its peak in the bottom of the sixth when Cardinals third baseman José Fermín couldn’t see a foul ball. Following the play, umpires paused the game, creating a rare fog delay at Wrigley Field. The crowd joined in singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” during this break.
Once play resumed, conditions improved, presenting a typical summer night. However, the Cubs’ offensive struggles continued. They left runners stranded in the seventh and eighth innings, failing to score with runners in scoring positions, which led to their loss.
Starting pitcher Imanaga, after allowing a home run, worked through challenging at-bats by the Cardinals. This effort increased his pitch count, leading to his exit after 4 2/3 innings. The Cubs’ pitching staff has been plagued by injuries this season, with Imanaga remaining the sole opening-day starter free from the injured list.
“What’s so important about Shota this year is he’s made every start,” Counsell remarked, highlighting Imanaga’s reliability amidst a challenging season.
Meanwhile, the Cubs continued to strengthen their pitching options. They signed right-hander Jake Woodford to the team, opting to designate pitcher Bryse Wilson for assignment. Woodford, 29, began the season with a high ERA with the Milwaukee Brewers but improved in the minors.
Counsell stated before the game, “We’re trying to ensure we have options and readiness for each upcoming game.”
On a related note, Matt Shaw won’t return from his left hand injury until after the All-Star break. He hasn’t resumed baseball activities yet. Jameson Taillon, recovering from a left hamstring strain, is set for a rehab assignment soon.