Full Breakdown
Rain Delay Shifts Reds-Cubs Showdown at Wrigley
5/5/2026, 6:52:32 AM
Game Delayed by Thunderstorms
The Cincinnati Reds faced the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Monday, May 4, 2026. A 6:40 p.m. start was moved to 6:10 p.m., then to 7:10 p.m. ET, and finally delayed with first pitch at 7:50 p.m. CST (8:50 p.m. ET) after scattered thunderstorms brought heavy rain, lightning and a marginal severe-weather risk.
Division Race Context
Both clubs entered the series atop the NL Central, with the Cubs holding a two-game lead over the Reds. Chicago rode an 11-game home streak and a 15-of-18 record; Cincinnati was 1-5 against Central foes and lost three straight in Pittsburgh. The Reds finished 2025 with an 8-5 edge over Chicago.
Pitchers on the Mound
Cincinnati promoted right-hander Chase Petty, a top prospect, who posted a 4.38 ERA in Triple-A Louisville. Chicago countered with right-hander Edward Cabrera, who entered with a 3.06 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings.
Key Numbers
- Cubs: 11-game home streak; 2-game NL Central lead.
- Reds: 1-5 vs Central; 15-7 vs .500+ teams; all-time at Wrigley 469-501; 196-190 since 2003; delay ?100 minutes.
Team Announcements
The Cubs released a statement confirming the 7:10 p.m. ET adjustment and later noted the rain delay with a 7:50 p.m. CST start. Officials announced Petty’s promotion and Cabrera’s start. Both clubs referenced the Storm Prediction Center advisory.
Critique of Timing Decision
Analysts called moving the start forward premature; the tarp was not deployed until 5:45 p.m., and rain began shortly after the 6:10 p.m. target. The “move-up” plan failed to prevent the delay, drawing criticism of the Cubs’ handling.
Ground-Level Observations
Wrigley’s PA announcer warned fans as the tarp was rolled onto the infield. Lightning and heavy showers forced a pause, and the warning stayed active all night.
Discrepant Start Times
Cubs said a 7:10 p.m. ET kickoff, NBC Chicago reported a 7:50 p.m. CST start, and SI listed 8:50 p.m. ET. No clarification.
Verbatim Quotes
"It tells me everyone is playing well," — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
"It also tells me we haven't played too many games in the division yet." — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
"From a pure stuff standpoint, Petty was just fine in 2025. It’s the quality of stuff, especially in the zone, that suffered considerably," — MLB Pipeline
"His fastball still averaged around 95 mph and sniffed triple digits, with the two-seamer continuing to get ground-ball contact." — MLB Pipeline
"His upper-80s changeup can flash above average with sink and fade to it." — MLB Pipeline
Upcoming Schedule
Chicago will host the Brewers (May 18-20) before trips to Pittsburgh (May 25-28) and St. Louis (May 29-31). Cincinnati’s next road series begins in Pittsburgh, then a home stand against Atlanta. Both clubs aim to solidify their NL Central positions as the race tightens.
