Full Breakdown
Cardinals 3-0 Win Over Cubs Amid Rain, Fog, Fireworks
7/5/2026, 1:21:03 PM
Game Outcome Amid Weather Chaos
On July 4, 2026, the Chicago Cubs hosted the St. Louis Cardinals at Wrigley Field. A 58-minute rain delay postponed the first pitch; the Cardinals then led 2-0. Fog descended in the sixth inning, forcing a 15-minute suspension; play resumed and the Cardinals added a third run to win 3-0. Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga (2.82 ERA, 1.075 WHIP) lasted 4 2/3 innings, surrendering three runs on five hits, while Cardinals starter Kyle Leahy and his bullpen kept Chicago scoreless.
Key Statistics
The Cubs went 0-for-5 with runners in scoring position, leaving eight on base. The Cardinals produced three runs on three hits, including JJ Wetherholt’s homer. Attendance was 38,872. Chicago fell to 49-39, second in the NL Central, behind the Brewers and ahead of the Cardinals.
Historical Note
The Cardinals’ 17-1 win on July 3 made them the first MLB team to record a 20-run victory followed by a 10-run loss, per Jordan Bastian. The July 4 rain-fog-fireworks combination is also unprecedented at Wrigley Field.
Official Statements
Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol said the fog made it impossible to see the ball in play. Cubs manager Craig Counsell said the weather “didn’t affect anything that happened in the game” and praised Imanaga’s consistency.
Criticism & Opposition
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong called the fog “brutal” and said he’d “never seen anything like that.” Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn and left fielder Lars Nootbar said they struggled to track fly balls, with Nootbar catching a two-run homer that stayed in play.
Roster Moves
After the loss, the Cubs signed right-hander Jake Woodford and designated Bryse Wilson. Thirteen pitchers remain on the injured list; only Imanaga is healthy, while Matt Shaw (left-hand sprain) and Jameson Taillon (left hamstring) are out.
Conflicting Reports
Bleed Cubbie Blue notes a rain delay without length; RedbirdRants and Tribune specify a 58-minute delay. RedbirdRants gives a 8:05 p.m. CST start, while other sources mention an hour-late kickoff. Fog timing beyond the 15-minute suspension is not detailed.
Quotes
- “There was a point there where no one on the field could see where the ball in play was.” — Oliver Marmol, Cardinals manager
- “It didn’t affect anything that happened in the game.” — Craig Counsell, Cubs manager
- “I don’t know how he saw my ball, to be honest with you.” — Masyn Winn, Cardinals shortstop
- “This marks the first time in MLB history that a team won a game by 20 or more runs and then lost its next game by at least 10 runs.” — Jordan Bastian, MLB.com
Future
The Cubs close the series on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET, aiming to rebound in the NL Central race, while the Cardinals seek to extend their road surge.
