“Wrigley Field Chaos: Rain Delays, Beer Snakes, and Cubs’ Win with López as Double-Duty Hero”
CHICAGO – On a rainy Saturday at Wrigley Field, head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier and his crew faced a relentless challenge, battling on-and-off rain showers during the Chicago Cubs’ 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Amid tarp pulls and squeegee duties, the game became a wild mix of delays, homeruns, and even beer snakes in the stands.
The day kicked off with Ian Happ smashing a first-pitch homer, followed by a 39-minute rain delay. As fans created a beer snake in the bleachers, Kiermaier and his crew sprang into action. Cubs’ reliever Jorge López pulled double duty, helping with field prep between innings before securing his first save with the team.
In the midst of the rain-soaked action, Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg made a heartwarming appearance via video, announcing he was cancer-free. The 38,755-strong crowd erupted in applause, with even the press box breaking its no-cheering rule.
The Cubs extended their lead to 3-0, thanks to Michael Busch’s clutch two-run triple, while memories of past Wrigley chaos surfaced as Blue Jays’ Daulton Varsho – son of former Cub Gary Varsho – narrowly missed a catch in the wet outfield.
A tense ninth inning saw Toronto inch closer with an Addison Barger homer, but López sealed the win by striking out Vladimir Guerrero Jr., sending fans into a rainy but joyous celebration.
López, whose dedication earned him a laugh and a “second paycheck” comment post-game, was the hero of a day that epitomized the unpredictable, unforgettable summer magic of Wrigley Field.