Unusual Night at Wrigley Field: Rain, Fog, and Fireworks

Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs, has seen a multitude of events in its 112-year history. However, Saturday brought an unusual trifecta: a rain delay, fog delay, and a fireworks display, all on the same night. The Cubs faced a 58-minute rain delay before losing 3-0 to the St. Louis Cardinals. A 15-minute fog delay followed before the start of the seventh inning, and postgame fireworks celebrated the Fourth of July.

“That was brutal,” Cubs All-Star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong remarked. “I’ve never seen anything like that. I’ll just leave it at that.”

Turbulent weather, including a large thunderstorm, delayed the game start for nearly an hour. Once the rain passed, the national anthem featured an American flag spanning much of the outfield. As play began, fog crept in, affecting visibility and gameplay.

The Cardinals initiated the scoring with a home run by JJ Wetherholt on Cub’s pitcher Shota Imanaga’s first pitch. The fog impaired visibility further as the game progressed, impacting ballplayers’ ability to see the ball.

Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn managed a fly-out catch, albeit awkwardly. Another instance saw Cardinals third baseman José Fermín potentially lose sight of a foul ball.

A fog-related game delay ensued as visibility worsened in the sixth inning. Fans filled the downtime by singing John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” a song that’s become a staple at U.S. sporting events.

Despite improved weather conditions post-delay and a pleasing summer evening, the Cubs struggled offensively. Players like Nico Hoerner and Pete Crow-Armstrong secured hits, yet the team failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities, finishing 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

Imanaga made a valiant attempt to recover from the Cardinals’ early offensive pressure but exceeded his pitch limits quickly, facing an outing of only 4 2/3 innings.

Amid injuries within the Cubs’ pitching lineup, Imanaga remains a stable presence. Cubs manager Craig Counsell expressed gratitude for Imanaga’s consistency during a season marked by challenges.

Cubs Roster Changes

The Cubs continued their quest for additional pitching talent, signing Jake Woodford to a major-league contract. This move involved designating right-hander Bryse Wilson for assignment. Woodford, 29, previously played for the Milwaukee Brewers and is noted for his 2022 performance with a 2.23 ERA.

“We’re trying to create some availability,” Counsell said regarding roster moves.

Wilson faced difficulties in recent performances, including a 17-1 loss to the Cardinals.

Injury Reports

Matt Shaw remains out with a left hand sprain until after the All-Star break. Shaw is not yet ready for baseball activities. Right-hander Jameson Taillon is set for a rehab assignment with High A South Bend as part of his recovery from a left hamstring strain.

Andy Martinez provided this report for the Chicago Tribune, with contributions from the Associated Press.