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The stage is set at Wrigley Field for a thrilling conclusion to the National League Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres. After splitting the first two games, both teams are eager to secure a spot in the NL Division Series. Game 3 promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both clubs showcasing their strengths and aiming to advance in the postseason.
Game 1 Recap: Cubs Draw First Blood
In the series opener, the Chicago Cubs took a 1-0 lead with a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres. Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly provided the offensive spark with back-to-back home runs in the fifth inning, erasing a 1-0 deficit. Daniel Palencia earned the win with a strong relief performance, and the Cubs’ bullpen—Drew Pomeranz, Andrew Kittredge, and Brad Keller—combined for three perfect innings to close out the game. Manager Craig Counsell praised the bullpen’s performance, noting their ability to retire 18 of the final 19 Padres batters. The Cubs’ defense, led by shortstop Dansby Swanson, was also a key factor in the win, with Swanson contributing both offensively and defensively. The victory marked only the Cubs’ fourth Game 1 home win in postseason history, setting a positive tone for the series.
Game 2: Padres Strike Back
Game 2 saw the San Diego Padres even the series with a dominant 3-0 shutout victory. Manny Machado delivered a crucial two-run homer in the fifth inning, building on an early lead established by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s run off a Jackson Merrill sacrifice fly. Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon earned the win with 2⅓ hitless innings in relief, while Mason Miller and Robert Suarez were also effective from the bullpen. Miller struck out five consecutive batters, showcasing his overpowering fastball. Despite the loss, Cubs manager Craig Counsell stood by his decision to let Shota Imanaga pitch to Machado, acknowledging Imanaga’s known vulnerability to home runs. The Cubs’ offense struggled against the Padres’ pitching staff, which executed a dominating strategy characterized by overpowering fastballs. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams turned their attention to the decisive Game 3.
Game 3 Preview: Pitching Matchup and Key Players
As the series shifts to Chicago for Game 3, the pitching matchup is set to be a pivotal factor. Cubs’ right-hander Jameson Taillon (11-7, 3.68 ERA) is slated to start, bringing stability and experience to the mound. Taillon has been a consistent mid-rotation starter during the regular season, and the Cubs will look to him to provide a strong performance in this critical game. On the other side, Padres’ veteran Yu Darvish (5-5, 5.38 ERA) is expected to start for San Diego. Although Darvish has not pitched beyond five innings in his recent outings and is recovering from prior elbow issues, he has kept his opponents to three runs or fewer in each of his last three starts. Manager Mike Shildt indicated that the bullpen will be critical, with potential contributions from Wandy Peralta, David Morgan, Bradgley Rodriguez, and possibly Randy Vasquez, depending on the game situation. Notably, Adrian Morejon and Mason Miller, who pitched effectively in Games 1 and 2, may be consulted for availability, particularly in high-leverage scenarios. With the “all hands on deck” approach, Shildt aims to deploy the best possible mix based on in-game developments. Robert Suarez will continue as the closer. The Padres are focused on strong performances from their starter, effective bullpen support, and improved offensive output to secure the series.
Key Players to Watch
- Dansby Swanson (Cubs): The Cubs’ shortstop has been a defensive stalwart and a consistent contributor at the plate. His leadership and experience are invaluable in postseason play.
- Manny Machado (Padres): As a veteran presence in the Padres’ lineup, Machado’s ability to perform in clutch situations makes him a key player to watch in Game 3.
- Jackson Merrill (Padres): The top prospect has shown promise in his recent performances, and his potential to make a significant impact in the postseason adds an exciting dynamic to the Padres’ offense.
- Jameson Taillon (Cubs): The Cubs’ starting pitcher brings stability and experience to the mound, and his performance will be crucial in determining the outcome of Game 3.
- Yu Darvish (Padres): Despite recent injury concerns, Darvish’s postseason experience and ability to limit damage make him a formidable opponent for the Cubs.
Where to Watch
Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres is scheduled for Thursday at 3:08 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, providing fans across the country with access to this pivotal matchup. For those unable to watch the game live, highlights and postgame analysis will be available on various sports news platforms and the official MLB website.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Heading into Game 3, the Chicago Cubs are slight favorites to advance, with odds of -125. The Padres, while underdogs, have a strong pitching staff and a lineup capable of producing in high-pressure situations. Analysts predict a closely contested game, with the outcome likely hinging on the performance of the starting pitchers and the effectiveness of the bullpen. Bettors are advised to consider the recent form of both teams and the individual matchups when placing wagers on this game.
Conclusion
The Wild Card Series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres has lived up to its billing, with both teams showcasing their strengths and resilience. As the series heads into a decisive Game 3, fans can expect a thrilling conclusion to this postseason matchup. With key players like Dansby Swanson and Manny Machado stepping up for their respective teams, and the pitching staffs ready to deliver, the winner of this game will earn a coveted spot in the NL Division Series. Regardless of the outcome, this series has highlighted the excitement and unpredictability of playoff baseball.
