The Chicago Cubs are back in the postseason, and it all begins tonight with Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. Wrigley Field will be rocking as the Cubs look to take control of this best-of-three matchup, and we’re here to break down everything you need to know about the game — from pitching matchups to offensive keys, X-factors, and our final prediction. Spoiler alert: we’re calling a 5-3 Cubs victory in Game 1. Let’s dive in.
📍 The Stage is Set: Cubs vs. Padres Wild Card Game 1
After grinding through a long and emotional 2025 MLB regular season, the Cubs find themselves in a familiar but exciting position: fighting for their playoff lives in the Wild Card round. The Padres, powered by stars like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts, come into the series as one of the National League’s most dangerous lineups. But the Cubs have their own firepower, headlined by Seiya Suzuki, Nico Hoerner, Michael Busch, and rookie standout Pete Crow-Armstrong (PCA).
Game 1 is crucial in this short series. Win it, and you put immense pressure on your opponent. Lose it, and you’re on the brink of elimination. The Cubs know this — and with the Wrigley faithful behind them, expect this team to come out swinging.
⚔️ Pitching Matchup: Cubs vs. Nick Pivetta
The Padres will turn to Nick Pivetta, a veteran right-hander with plenty of big-league experience but inconsistent results. Pivetta had flashes of brilliance in 2025, but his overall numbers tell the story of a pitcher who can be vulnerable to power bats and struggles with command at times. Against the Cubs, those weaknesses could be exposed.
Chicago’s offense thrives when they’re patient at the plate and work counts. Expect hitters like Michael Busch and Seiya Suzuki to grind out at-bats, forcing Pivetta to elevate his pitch count early.
💡 Keys for the Cubs Offense
If the Cubs want to walk away with a win in Game 1, here’s what they need to do:
Jump on Pivetta early – The Cubs need to set the tone by putting runners on base in the first couple of innings. A fast start could rattle Pivetta and force the Padres to dig into their bullpen earlier than expected.
Power production – The Cubs aren’t just built for small ball. With sluggers like Christopher Morel, Busch, and Suzuki, Chicago has the ability to change the game with one swing. Look for a big extra-base hit to break this game open.
PCA’s speed factor – Rookie center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong brings elite defense, but don’t overlook his speed on the bases. If he gets on, expect him to cause havoc and put pressure on San Diego’s defense.
Disciplined at-bats – This Cubs team is at their best when they’re drawing walks and driving up pitch counts. If they stick to their approach, they’ll get their chances against Pivetta.
🏆 Prediction: Cubs 5, Padres 3
This one won’t be easy — the Padres are a tough opponent, and Nick Pivetta is capable of keeping his team in the game if he’s sharp. But in front of a packed house at Wrigley Field, we believe the Cubs will find a way to deliver.
Expect Chicago to score early, Pivetta to exit around the fifth inning, and the Cubs’ bullpen to lock things down late. The offense will do just enough, and a clutch hit from either Busch or Morel could prove to be the difference. Final score: Cubs 5, Padres 3.
🎙️ Final Thoughts
Playoff baseball is always unpredictable, but one thing is certain: the Cubs are built for October battles. With their mix of young talent, veteran leadership, and a deep pitching staff, they have every chance to make a serious run.
Game 1 is just the beginning, but it’s also the most important step. A win tonight sets the tone for the series and gives the Cubs the upper hand as they chase their first postseason series victory since 2017.
Cubs fans — buckle up. October baseball at Wrigley is here.
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