In a game where the Chicago Cubs had a chance to take an early lead, their defensive mishaps in the first inning proved costly as they fell 11-3 to the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs started off on a positive note with Nico Hoerner drawing a leadoff walk, but their momentum quickly fizzled out.

Following Hoerner's walk, Michael Busch hit into a double play, leaving Seiya Suzuki to step up to the plate with no runners on base. However, Suzuki unleashed a powerful home run that showcased his hitting prowess. Unfortunately for the Cubs, if there had been runners on base ahead of Suzuki, the outcome of the game might have been different.

The bottom of the first inning turned into a defensive disaster for the Cubs. The Cardinals capitalized on the Cubs' defensive lapses and managed to string together three consecutive singles, resulting in a run scored. Hayden Wesneski, the Cubs' pitcher, struggled to find his rhythm and overthought his strategy, resulting in mistakes that cost the team dearly.

Wesneski's attempt to go for a double play on a ground ball back to him backfired when he threw the ball into center field. Another run scored, and the Cardinals had runners on first and second with no outs. The defensive struggles continued as Miles Mastrobuoni misplayed a ground ball, leaving the bases loaded and still no outs. A subsequent ground ball should have been an easy out, but Wesneski once again made a poor decision, allowing another run to score.

Despite striking out the next two hitters, Wesneski hit Michael Siani, forcing in another run. The Cardinals capitalized on the Cubs' defensive woes, as a single and a three-run homer by Alec Burleson extended their lead to a daunting 9-1. Granting a professional team six outs in a single inning proved disastrous for the Cubs, making a comeback nearly impossible.

The Cubs did attempt to rally back, with Ian Happ and Christopher Morel both contributing with a single and a double, respectively, in the fourth inning. Mastrobuoni's sacrifice fly plated another run, reducing the deficit to 10-2. However, their efforts were in vain, as Tomás Nido flied out to end the inning, stalling any chance of a significant comeback.

Wesneski deserves credit for enduring four innings on a hot and humid afternoon. Out of the 11 runs charged to him, only four were earned, indicating that the Cubs' defensive mistakes played a crucial role in their overwhelming loss. Ethan Roberts and Hunter Bigge also pitched well in relief, but it wasn't enough to bridge the gap.

Entertainment came in the form of David Bote, a position player who was called upon to pitch the eighth inning. Bote threw a competent inning, showcasing his versatility as he saved the rest of the bullpen for the nightcap. Patrick Wisdom, another position player, continued to impress with a solo home run in the ninth inning.

Looking ahead, the Cubs will aim to split the doubleheader against the Cardinals in the nightcap. Javier Assad will take the mound for the Cubs, while Kyle Gibson will start for St. Louis. With hopes for a better defensive showing and a solid offensive performance, the Cubs will strive to salvage a victory in the second game.