The Los Angeles Dodgers were set to kick off a pivotal six-game road trip on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals, but Mother Nature had other plans. Rain in the forecast has delayed the series opener at Busch Stadium, and no new start time has been confirmed. Originally scheduled for 5:15 p.m. PT (8:15 p.m. ET), the game now sits in limbo, leaving fans from both sides in suspense.
Rain delay halts Dodgers vs Cardinals game
The Dodgers are entering this road series leading the National League West, but the tight division race means there’s little room for error. Every inning, every hit, every pitch matters — and this matchup with the Cardinals, despite the delay, is loaded with intrigue.
On the mound for St. Louis is veteran right-hander Sonny Gray, who has been mostly solid this season with a 6-1 record and 3.65 ERA, striking out 76 batters. Despite some recent home run struggles, Gray has found a rhythm lately, posting a sharp 2.08 ERA across his last two starts. His challenge? Navigating the gauntlet that is the Dodgers lineup — a task few pitchers envy. With sluggers like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers can flip a game on its head in seconds.
L.A. will counter with left-hander Justin Wrobleski, a rookie still finding his groove in the majors.
Wrobleski brings an 8.00 ERA across his first two games, and though that might seem like a favorable matchup for St. Louis, the Cardinals have had their share of struggles against southpaws this season.
The Dodgers’ lineup will also see a few tweaks. Will Smith gets a rest day behind the plate, while Hyeseong Kim remains out due to a foot injury. Manager Dave Roberts assured that an IL stint isn't required. Catching duties will go to rookie Dalton Rushing, who will work with Wrobleski in what could be a pivotal performance for both.
The night also carries emotional weight, as Tommy Edman returns to Busch Stadium for the first time since last season’s blockbuster trade. The 2023 NLCS MVP, now wearing Dodger blue, didn’t play for the Cardinals in 2024 due to a wrist injury, making this his first appearance in St. Louis in over a year.
Louis Cardinals beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-0 Friday night in a game that started after a 1 hour, 17 minute rain delay
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