Rookie JJ Wetherholt delivered a standout performance, hitting a leadoff home run and recording three hits to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs on Saturday night at a fog-enshrouded Wrigley Field.
The game faced significant weather challenges, beginning an hour late due to rain. As conditions worsened, a 15-minute delay was called following the sixth inning due to dense fog rolling into the historic ballpark. While players noted the difficulty in tracking fly balls, officials reported no major misplays during the shortened visibility windows.
Wetherholt set a Cardinals rookie record with his fourth leadoff home run of the season. His offensive contribution, paired with Ivan Herrera’s RBI single and Alec Burleson’s late-inning hit, provided the necessary cushion for the Cardinals. Pitcher Kyle Leahy (7-4) anchored the effort with five scoreless innings, allowing only three hits while striking out six.
The victory marks the Cardinals’ third consecutive win, closing the gap in the NL Central standings to just a half-game behind the second-place Cubs. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga (5-7) took the loss, surrendering two runs across 4 2/3 innings. The series is set to conclude on Sunday.