Cubs' series-opening game with Cardinals starts in weather delay

The Cubs defeated the Cardinals 7-3 in the first game of their four-game series. Despite the Cardinals utilizing Matthew Liberatore and Hunter Dobbins to protect their bullpen, they conceded 14 hits and seven runs. The matchup at Busch Stadium initially faced a weather delay due to potential impending storms. The Cubs entered this contest against their NL Central division rivals while trailing the division-leading Brewers by seven games during their current two-city road trip.