The National League Wild Card Series between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs is reaching its climax with a decisive Game 3 at Wrigley Field. Following a win by the Cubs in Game 1, the Padres responded with a shutout victory in Game 2, setting the stage for this winner-take-all matchup.
Cubs vs Padres: Game 3 Overview
Game 3 is crucial as it determines which team advances in the MLB playoffs. It is scheduled to start at 5:08 p.m. ET on Thursday. Yu Darvish, a seasoned pitcher with a postseason record of 5 wins and 5 losses and an ERA of 5.38, is set to take the mound for the Padres. For the Cubs, right-hander James Taillon, who boasts an 11-7 record and a 3.68 ERA, will pitch.
Key Players and Lineups
- Cubs Starting Lineup:
- Michael Busch (1B)
- Nico Hoerner (2B)
- Ian Happ (LF)
- Kyle Tucker (DH)
- Seiya Suzuki (RF)
- Carson Kelly (C)
- Pete Crow-Armstrong (CF)
- Dansby Swanson (SS)
- Matt Shaw (3B)
- Padres Starting Lineup:
- Fernando Tatis Jr. (RF)
- Luis Arraez (1B)
- Manny Machado (3B)
- Jackson Merrill (CF)
- Xander Bogaerts (SS)
- Ryan O’Hearn (DH)
- Gavin Sheets (LF)
- Jake Cronenworth (2B)
- Freddy Fermin (C)
Game Highlights and Summary
In the previous games, the Cubs capitalized on an early opportunity, loading the bases in the second inning. They managed to score two runs, but will need to enhance their scoring efficiency to advance. In this matchup, both teams will focus on defense and timely hitting, crucial components of postseason baseball.
As the tension builds, fans can catch the action on ESPN or stream it live on Fubo. Both teams remain highly motivated, with analysts divided on the predicted outcome of Game 3.
- Predictions from MLB Experts:
- Bob Nightengale: Cubs 5, Padres 3
- Gabe Lacques: Padres 7, Cubs 4
- Jesse Yomtov: Padres 6, Cubs 3
With everything on the line, this showdown promises to be an enthralling encounter between the Cubs and Padres, kicking off a thrilling finale to the series.
