Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series is finally here, and it’s the Chicago Cubs taking on the San Diego Padres in a best-of-three battle that’s gonna set the tone for the entire postseason. These two clubs fought hard just to get here. The Cubs clawed their way to a Wild Card spot after an intense season-long fight for the NL Central, finishing with an 89-73 overall record. The Padres secured their own Wild Card berth, entering the series with an 87-75 mark when they clinched that spot, and finishing 91-71 overall. A spot in the NL Division Series is on the line, so this ain’t just another game.
The Cubs Have The Padres’ Number, But Don’t Sleep On San Diego’s Home Power
Seriously, the Cubs have been a thorn in San Diego’s side all year long. Chicago holds a commanding 5-1 lead in the season series heading into this Wild Card showdown. That’s a massive psychological edge, right? The Cubs also know how to hit the road, going 43-38 in away games. What’s even crazier? When they mash at least two dingers, they’re practically unbeatable, boasting a 44-15 record in those games.
But don’t count out the Friars. San Diego is a beast at home, rocking a 51-30 record in their own ballpark. They’ve also got a killer defense, going 40-14 in games where they didn’t give up a single home run. This is gonna be a clash of titans with different strengths.
MVP Candidates, Big Bats, And Who’s Hot Right Now
This series is absolutely stacked with talent. For the Cubs, you’ve got MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong, who is mashing the ball. The dude’s got 31 doubles, eight triples, and a mind-blowing 45 home runs, all while hitting .280! 45 bombs? That’s insane production! Then there’s Alex Bregman, who’s been crushing it lately, going 10 for 34 with three doubles, a triple, and three homers in his last 10 games.
On the Padres’ side, Fernando Tatis Jr. is leading the charge with 32 doubles, three triples, and 25 home runs, backed up by Manny Machado and Ty France, who’s hitting 12 for 39 with two doubles and a home run over his last 10 games. Looking at the last 10 games, the Padres are sizzling hot, going 8-2, batting .289, and outscoring opponents by 18 runs, even with a 4.40 ERA. The Cubs are still solid at 5-5 with a .256 batting average and a much tighter 3.00 ERA, outscoring opponents by eight runs. This is gonna be an absolute slugfest!
This best-of-three series starts tonight, Tuesday, September 29, with Game 1 at 10 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Peacock. Game 2 follows fast on Wednesday, September 30, at the same time and channel. If it goes to a decisive Game 3, catch it Thursday, October 1, again at 10 p.m. ET. One of these teams is moving on to the NL Division Series, and the other is going home. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Oh, and new users can grab a $50 bonus using Polymarket promo code FOX before Game 1 kicks off, if you’re into that. Get ready, this Wild Card is going to be epic!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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