Padres Even Wild Card Series Versus Cubs

The Padres defeat the Cubs to even the National League Wild Card series at a game apiece to force a winner-take-all game in San Diego.

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

October 1, 2025

Padres 3, Cubs 0

On a blustery Wednesday afternoon at Wrigley Field, the San Diego Padres stifle the Chicago Cubs 3-0 to even the Wild Card Series at a game apiece. With the wind blowing in fiercely, home runs were sparse, and the game depended on a single swing and solid pitching. San Diego gains some redemption after losing Game One, and both teams now face a winner-take-all Game Three.

Cubs – Padres Game Summary

Chicago’s bats were quiet the entire game. The Padres took the lead with small ball and a two-run homer, then relied on a capable mix of starters and bullpen arms to seal the deal. The Cubs got considerable base activity but were unable to score a run.

San Diego scored early and never looked back. Fernando Tatis Jr. demonstrated why he is still a dangerous baserunner in the top of the first inning. Tatis, who is second in MLB in third-base steals this season, performed a daring double steal to take third. He would score on Jackson Merrill‘s sacrifice fly, putting the Padres ahead 1-0.

Manny Machado delivered the game-changing blow in the top of the fifth inning, hitting a two-run home run to make it 3-0. From there, San Diego’s pitching silenced any Cubs rally attempts.

Dylan Cease, the Padres starter, was excellent, keeping the Cubs off balance with strikeouts and feeble contact. The Padres’ bullpen, including Andrian Morejon, Mason Miller, and Robert Suárez, completed the shutout and secured a crucial victory to even the series.

What Went Right for the Padres

Exploiting Small Moments

San Diego made the most of its few opportunities. The game’s first run came from a double steal in the first inning and a sac fly by Merrill, while Machado’s home run provided them breathing room.

Consistent Pitching and Bullpen Execution

Cease established the tone early, and the bullpen controlled the middle and late innings. Miller’s strikeouts and Suárez’s final inning were very dominant. Manager Mike Shildt complimented his bullpen in his postgame press conference, remarking, “Yeah, clearly they were tremendous, back-against-the-wall scenario… Suarez was tremendous to bring it home.” The Padres will certainly look to build on the momentum created not only from Dylan Cease but from the many arms that supported his outing.

Momentum and Confidence Shift

Shutting out the Cubs on the road ties the series and shifts momentum back to San Diego’s advantage.

What Went Wrong for the Padres

Offense Remains Quiet

Despite the win, San Diego only had a few timely hits. Aside from Machado’s home run and Merrill’s sacrifice fly, the Padres didn’t generate much traffic, leaving possibilities on the bases. In a different game, without the massive swing, their lack of productivity could have cost them.

Reliance on Power in Tough Conditions

Machado’s home run was an aberration, not the rule. With the wind roaring in, the Padres continued to chase fly balls that perished in the outfield rather than adapting to the conditions with more line-drive and ground-ball approaches.

What Went Right for the Cubs

Pitching Kept It Close

Despite the setback, Chicago’s arms gave them a chance. Outside of Machado’s blast, the bullpen kept San Diego at bay, leaving runners stranded and preventing a longer inning. The Cubs’ pitchers kept the game under control, keeping the score within reach.

Defensive Execution

Chicago’s defense remained sharp. Cutoffs, relays, and routine plays were all done well, preventing the Padres from adding “free” runs. In postseason baseball, avoiding mistakes is crucial, and the Cubs did it to a considerable extent.

What Went Wrong for the Cubs

Offensive Dry Spell

Chicago could not string hits together. With the wind blowing in, they needed base hits, walks, or situational hitting, but instead went hitless with runners in scoring position and left men on base. Manager Craig Counsell noted Nico Hoerner‘s rough at-bat in the eighth, remarking, “When you replay that swing- nobody is going home and teaching that swing to their kids. No offense to Nico, but nobody is going home and teaching that.” Hoerner’s poor at-bat was just one in many for the Cubs in this game.

No Margin for Error

In a game as close as this, squandered opportunities are emphasized. Chicago’s batters struggled to capitalize on traffic in the early innings, putting pressure on their arms and defense.

Quick Hits

The series is knotted at one, setting up a crucial Game Three.
Tatis Jr. demonstrated his outstanding baserunning ability with a steal of third and the game’s first run.
The wind was a key factor, limiting power; only Machado was able to lift one out.
The Cubs have yet to score more than three runs in each game of the series.

Looking Forward to Game Three After Padres Even Series

With the series deadlocked, Thursday’s Game 3 at Wrigley Field will determine who will advance to the NLDS. The Cubs will need their offense to wake up, while San Diego will rely on their pitching staff and clutch hitting. Both teams understand that the margin for error is tiny, with October aspirations hanging in the balance.

Counsell remains optimistic about Game Three, “I think we’re made for that”, he said, “we’re going to have to produce more offense tomorrow; there’s no question.” Game Three, tomorrow at 3:08 pm on ABC, will determine who moves on to the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.