Rain Delays Cubs-Cardinals Series Opener, Game 1 to Be Played as Doubleheader

The highly anticipated series opener between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals was postponed due to persistent rain, causing a scheduling shift that will see the game played as part of a doubleheader on July 13th. The delay sets the stage for an extended contest when the Cubs return to St. Louis for their next series matchup.

Intense Game 2 Narrowly Favors the Cardinals

Despite the weather setback, game 2 proceeded on Saturday, delivering all the drama and intensity typical of the Cubs-Cardinals rivalry. The game concluded with a narrow 7-6 victory for the Cardinals, leaving the Cubs to reflect on what might have been a winnable game.

Cubs' Scoring Plays

The Cubs showed strong offensive plays, beginning in the top of the fourth inning when Nico Hoerner hit a sharp fly ball to left field, driving in Mike Tauchman and Christopher Morel. Hoerner himself scored shortly after off a line drive by Michael Busch to center field. The Cubs continued to push in the seventh inning, with Busch scoring from a Patrick Wisdom double. In a late rally during the ninth, Dansby Swanson and Nick Madrigal each scored off singles by Mike Tauchman and Cody Bellinger, respectively, keeping the game tight until the final out.

Cardinals' Key Moments

The Cardinals answered back in the bottom of the third with scores from Brendan Donovan and Lars Nootbaar, contributing early to their lead. The game saw further action in the sixth, as Nolan Gorman scored off a Masyn Winn double. The eighth inning proved pivotal for the Cardinals, with a flurry of activity: Alec Burleson and Dylan Carlson scored, alongside Nolan Gorman, off hits by Matt Carpenter and Brendan Donovan. The inning was capped by a triple from Lars Nootbaar, driving in Donovan and effectively sealing the win for St. Louis.

Pitching Details

For the Cubs, starter Jameson Taillon was pulled in the sixth after a strong start, with relievers Luke Little, Tyson Miller, Mark Leiter Jr., and Porter Hodge attempting to hold the line. The Cardinals countered with Miles Mikolas leading through six innings, followed by bullpen efforts from Andrew Kittredge, JoJo Romero, and Ryan Helsley, who closed out the ninth.

Cubs Set to Regroup for Series Continuation Against Cardinals

With the series now sitting at a Cardinals lead, the Cubs are eyeing the rescheduled doubleheader as a crucial opportunity to reclaim momentum. The upcoming games promise to be filled with strategic play and potential redemption for the Cubs as they look to make up ground in the series standings. Fans of both teams can anticipate a heated continuation of this classic MLB rivalry, marked by skillful plays and strategic depth from both dugouts.