Stormy Skies Put an End to Baseball Action
Dodgers:
The Rain Delay Hangs Over Dodger-Cardinal Clash
A storm is brewing over the upcoming Dodgers-Cards series, with a 1-hour, 17-minute delay casting a shadow over Friday’s highly anticipated matchup. The St. Louis Cardinals’ Busch Stadium was set to host the six-game road trip’s pivotal opener against Los Angeles, but rain had other plans. As fans from both sides wait for an updated start time, one question lingers: Will this soggy start spell disaster for the Dodgers?
For a team already leading the National League West, every inning counts – and this matchup with the Cardinals is no exception. The tight division race has created tension, with even a small misstep potentially jeopardizing their top spot. As they take to the field against St. Louis, one thing is certain: it’s going to be an intriguing test of skills.
On the mound for the Cardinals, veteran right-hander Sonny Gray faces an uphill battle. With a 6-1 record and 3.65 ERA this season, he has been mostly solid – striking out 76 batters in the process. However, his recent struggles with home runs have raised concerns about his ability to navigate the Dodgers’ potent offense. Can he find a rhythm against a lineup featuring sluggers like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts?
The Dodgers counter with left-hander Justin Wrobleski, a rookie still finding his footing in the majors. With an 8.00 ERA across his first two games, this might seem like a favorable matchup for St. Louis. Yet, the Cardinals have struggled against southpaws this season, making Wrobleski’s challenge more manageable.
Behind the plate, Will Smith will be taking a well-deserved rest day, with rookie Dalton Rushing stepping in to catch for the Dodgers. Despite being out of commission due to a foot injury, Hyeseong Kim is unlikely to require an IL stint – manager Dave Roberts has hinted at a speedy recovery. This slight adjustment could prove pivotal in determining the series’ trajectory.
As the game looms large, another emotional storyline comes into focus: Tommy Edman’s return to Busch Stadium. The 2023 NLCS MVP, donning Dodger blue for the first time, is eager to rekindle his rivalry with the Cardinals. Can he overcome the home-field disadvantage and lead Los Angeles to a much-needed victory?
The rain delay may have halted the game, but one thing remains certain: when play resumes, it’s going to be a battle for the ages. Will the Dodgers emerge victorious, or will their rivals pull off a stunning upset? One thing is clear – only time will tell.
What’s at Stake in this High-Stakes Matchup?
The Dodgers’ lead atop the National League West hangs precariously in the balance, with every game serving as a reminder that complacency can be costly. As the rain-soaked delay lingers, fans on both sides are left to wonder: What will be the outcome of this pivotal matchup?
