Series finale between Cubs and Cardinals at Busch Stadium delayed by rain

An hour before the series finale between the Cubs and Cardinals at Busch Stadium was scheduled to start, the home team announced that first pitch had been delayed Sunday.

It was still raining, and forecasts suggested that it would continue for at least the next hour. The Cardinals later announced that first pitch was scheduled for 7 p.m., weather permitting, 50 minutes after the original start time.

The skies over downtown St. Louis opened up four hours before game time Sunday. The torrential downpour pooled on the tarp, warning track and outfield at Busch Stadium.

Three hours before the scheduled first pitch, the hallway down the stairs from the visitors clubhouse that leads to the batting cages and dugout was flooded with ankle-deep standing water.

“It's something different,” manager Craig Counsell said. “It happens. And we'll be all right for a day without the cages if that's the case.”

Cardinals personnel jumped into action and cleared the water.