Jimmy Crooks delivered the decisive moment at Busch Stadium on Friday, July 10, 2026, hitting a late home run that lifted the Cardinals to a 2-1 win over the Braves. In a game interrupted by a weather delay in the fourth inning, one swing was enough to settle a tight contest.
The delay did not change the Cardinals' focus
The Cardinals and Braves were forced to wait before play resumed, but the interruption did not stop the home side from finding a way through. Crooks' late homer proved to be the difference in a game that remained close throughout and was decided by the narrowest of margins.
That is often the nature of games like this. Once the delay ended, there was very little room for error, and the Cardinals made sure they were the team that landed the final blow.
A one-run game decided by one swing
The final score told the story. The Cardinals beat the Braves 2-1, and Crooks' home run was the key moment that turned a tense night into a victory for St. Louis.
When a game is paused by weather and then returns as a low-scoring battle, every plate appearance matters that little bit more. Crooks made sure his counted, and the Cardinals took the result they needed.
