Chicago Cubs and New York Mets fans will see their postponed game rescheduled as a split twin bill on Wednesday, June 12, after Monday’s match was rained out by heavy storms. The National League Central-leading Cubs and NL East-contending Mets were set to face off in a doubleheader at Wrigley Field, but inclement weather forced the postponement, according to MLB.com and official team statements. The split games will now take place at 7:10 PM ET and 10:10 PM ET, with no immediate plans for makeup dates.
The postponement marks the second time in three weeks that Wrigley Field has been impacted by severe weather, following a rain delay during a Cubs game against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 28. The split twin bill format—where two games are played on the same night—is rare in MLB but has been used in recent seasons to accommodate rescheduled matchups, including during the 2023 postseason.
For Cubs and Mets fans, the rescheduling raises questions about how the split games will affect team rotations, bullpen strategies, and even ticket availability. With the Cubs holding a 3.5-game lead in the NL Central and the Mets battling for a playoff spot in the NL East, the stakes remain high despite the delay.
Why Was the Cubs-Mets Game Postponed?
According to NBC Chicago meteorologists, Monday’s storm system dumped 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain across the Chicago area, with wind gusts exceeding 40 mph in some regions. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for the area earlier in the day, prompting MLB officials to halt play after the first inning of the scheduled twin bill.
The postponement follows MLB’s official weather delay policy, which mandates that games must be suspended if umpires deem conditions unsafe. In this case, the umpire crew cited “excessive rain and lightning risk” as the primary factors in the decision.
How Will the Split Games Work?
The split twin bill format, while uncommon, is not new to MLB. The most recent example occurred during the 2023 World Series, where Game 5 between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks was split into two halves due to a rain delay. In that instance, the games were completed on the same night with a brief intermission.
For the Cubs-Mets rescheduling, the two games will be played back-to-back with a 30-minute break between them. The first game will begin at 7:10 PM ET, followed by the second at 10:10 PM ET, according to MLB’s official schedule. Fans attending the games will need to purchase separate tickets for each matchup, as the split format does not allow for a single admission covering both.
This approach contrasts with MLB’s typical practice of rescheduling postponed games at a later date, often during a series against a weaker opponent. However, with both teams in playoff contention, league officials may have opted for the split format to minimize disruptions to the season.
What Does This Mean for Cubs and Mets Fans?
The split twin bill presents logistical challenges for fans, particularly those traveling from out of town. With the games set for Wednesday, June 12, attendees will need to plan for a long evening, especially if they wish to see both matchups. The Cubs’ organization has not yet announced any special promotions or discounts for the rescheduled games, but local ticket resale platforms like StubHub and SeatGeek are expected to see increased activity.
For the teams, the split format could impact roster management. Both the Cubs and Mets are likely to rotate pitchers carefully to avoid fatigue, particularly given the high stakes of their current standings. The Cubs, leading the NL Central by 3.5 games, will look to maintain their momentum, while the Mets, in a tight NL East race, will aim to capitalize on any momentum shifts.
How Often Does MLB Use Split Twin Bills?
Split twin bills are rare in MLB history, with only a handful of instances dating back to the 1970s. The most notable recent example was during the 2023 postseason, as mentioned earlier. Before that, the last split twin bill occurred in 2018, when the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres played a split doubleheader due to a rain delay during the regular season.
According to Sports Illustrated’s analysis, MLB officials have increasingly considered split twin bills as a way to accommodate rescheduled games without extending the season. However, the format remains controversial among some fans and players due to its impact on travel and rest schedules.
What Happens Next?
MLB has not yet confirmed whether the postponed games will count toward any team’s series totals or if they will be rescheduled at a later date. Typically, postponed games are made up within the same season, often during a series against a team with a weaker record. However, given the current standings, both the Cubs and Mets may push for the split twin bill to proceed as scheduled.
Fans are advised to monitor official updates from Chicago Cubs and New York Mets websites, as well as MLB’s official schedule page, for any changes to the rescheduled games.
For those planning to attend, Wrigley Field has not announced any modifications to its policies for the split twin bill. However, given the late start of the second game, fans are encouraged to arrive early and be prepared for potential delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Will the split twin bill count toward the Cubs’ or Mets’ series totals? As of now, MLB has not confirmed how the split games will affect the series. Typically, postponed games are made up and count toward the original series.
- Can fans buy tickets for both games at once? No, tickets for each game must be purchased separately, as the split format does not allow for a single admission covering both matchups.
- What if the second game runs late? MLB has not specified a hard cutoff for the second game, but fans should be prepared for the possibility of delays, especially if the game extends into the early hours of Thursday.
- Will the postponed game be made up at a later date? While MLB usually reschedules postponed games, the split twin bill format suggests that officials intend for both games to be played on Wednesday. However, this could change if further weather disruptions occur.
As the Cubs and Mets prepare for their rescheduled matchups, fans can expect a high-stakes evening at Wrigley Field. With both teams in playoff contention, the games promise to be must-watch events, regardless of the unusual format.
For live updates and further details, follow World Today Journal’s Sports coverage and check back for any developments as the games approach.