The St. Louis Cardinals delivered a commanding performance against the Chicago Cubs on July 3, 2026, winning 11-0 in a game that was delayed by thunderstorms before first pitch.
Why it matters: This victory solidifies the Cardinals' position in the National League Central as they continue to chase the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs, now facing a five-game losing streak, must regroup quickly.
- The Cardinals improved their record to 46-39, maintaining third place in the NL Central, trailing the Brewers by 7 games.
- The Cubs fell to 49-39, now 5 games behind Milwaukee, marking their fifth consecutive loss.
- This win also extends the Cardinals' lead in the regular season series against the Cubs to 3-1.
Driving the news: The game, originally scheduled to start at 4:05 PM ET, faced a brief delay due to inclement weather, with the first pitch pushed back to 3:15 PM after heavy rain and lightning struck the area.
- Wrigley Field opened its gates 90 minutes before the game, but fans were evacuated from the seating bowl due to safety concerns.
- The tarp was removed from the field around 2:20 PM, allowing for a timely start once conditions improved.
- Left-hander David Peterson took the mound for the Cubs, making his home debut, but struggled against a potent Cardinals lineup.
State of play: The Cardinals jumped out to an early lead, scoring three runs in the second inning, thanks to Nathan Church's three-run homer.
- By the end of the fourth inning, the Cardinals had amassed 11 runs, highlighted by Masyn Winn's three-run homer and several key hits from the lineup.
- Peterson allowed 11 runs on 13 hits over just four innings, struggling to contain the Cardinals' offensive onslaught.
- Andre Pallante pitched effectively for the Cardinals, limiting the Cubs to just three hits and no runs.
The big picture: The Cardinals' offensive display showcased their potential as serious contenders in the NL Central.
- With two home runs and consistent hitting throughout the lineup, the Cardinals demonstrated their depth and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- The Cubs, meanwhile, need to address their pitching woes and find ways to generate offense after being shut out.
- As the season progresses, both teams will be looking to improve their standings with the trade deadline approaching.
What they're saying: Post-game reactions highlighted the contrasting emotions between the two teams.
- "We executed our game plan perfectly today," Church said. "Everyone contributed, and it feels great to get this win on the road."
- Cubs manager David Ross expressed disappointment, stating, "We need to regroup and find a way to turn things around. We can’t let this continue."
By the numbers: Key statistics from the game reveal the lopsided nature of the contest.
- The Cardinals recorded 13 hits compared to the Cubs' 3, with a total of 22 bases compared to the Cubs' 4.
- Church's home run marked his 8th of the season, contributing significantly to the team's offensive output.
- The Cubs left 5 runners on base, unable to capitalize on any scoring chances throughout the game.
What's next: Both teams will continue their series with a focus on improving their standings in the competitive NL Central.
- The Cubs will look to bounce back in Game 5 of the series on July 4, where they hope to regain momentum.
- The Cardinals will aim to build on their success and secure another victory against their rivals.
- As the season progresses, each game becomes increasingly important for playoff positioning, making every matchup a must-watch.
Fans can catch the next game on MLB.TV and local broadcasts, as both teams push through the summer heat seeking postseason glory.