Wrigley Field witnessed an unusual sequence of weather disruptions during the Chicago Cubs’ 3-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, combining a lengthy rain delay, fog interruption, and a postgame fireworks display in a single evening.
The game, held on July 4, began nearly an hour late after a heavy thunderstorm passed through the area, prompting a 58-minute delay before the first pitch. Once play commenced, an American flag covering much of the outfield was unfurled during the national anthem, setting the tone for the Independence Day celebration. However, as the game progressed, a thick fog settled over the ballpark, leading to a rare weather-related stoppage mid-game.
Visibility deteriorated notably by the sixth inning, with players on both sides visibly affected. Cardinals shortstop José Fermín appeared to struggle locating a foul ball, and a flyout caught by Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong was described as slightly awkward due to reduced sightlines. Umpires decided to halt play for approximately 15 minutes before resuming under clearer conditions. Fans in attendance, numbering 38,872, sang John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” during the pause, a song that has gained popularity among U.S. sports fans recently.
Despite the unusual weather events, Cubs manager Craig Counsell noted the fog did not materially impact the outcome of the game. The Cardinals took an early lead with a home run on the first pitch by JJ Wetherholt off Cubs starter Shota Imanaga, who allowed a third-inning run before exiting after 4 2/3 innings due to a high pitch count. Imanaga’s outing was one of his shortest this season, a setback for a Cubs pitching staff already hampered by injuries. The team currently has 13 pitchers on the injured list, with Imanaga being the only remaining member of the opening-day rotation yet to be sidelined.
Offensively, the Cubs struggled, going 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position and leaving eight men on base. Key players such as Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman reached base late but failed to capitalize. The team’s offensive difficulties continued despite the atmospheric backdrop that included the traditional Fourth of July fireworks show after the game.
In roster news, the Cubs signed right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to a major-league contract on Saturday, designating Bryse Wilson for assignment to clear a roster spot. Woodford, 29, was recently released by the Milwaukee Brewers after posting a 6.94 ERA in 16 appearances this season. Woodford had previously delivered his best campaign in 2022 with the St. Louis Cardinals, posting a 2.23 ERA in 27 games.
Regarding injuries, infielder Matt Shaw (left-hand sprain) is expected to remain sidelined until after the All-Star break, with his next major evaluation scheduled for midweek. Pitcher Jameson Taillon (left hamstring strain) is slated to begin a rehab assignment with High-A South Bend starting Sunday.
The combination of weather delays and roster adjustments added to the complexity of the Cubs’ challenging season as they continue to navigate a demanding schedule and significant injury challenges.