The Chicago Cubs used stellar pitching, elite defense and a methodical offensive approach with timely hits to beat the San Diego Padres to advance to the NL Division Series against the Milwaukee Brewers, their division rivals and owners of baseball’s best record.
The Cubs were 6-13 at Wrigley Field in elimination games — including 0-3 in winner-takes-all games — before their Game 3 win. Those previous win-or-go-home losses occurred in the 1945 World Series, 2003 NL Championship Series and 2018 wild-card game. They were 4-4 overall in such games, with their last win coming in the 2017 NLDS at the Washington Nationals.
Here’s how the series unfolded.
Game 1: Cubs 3, Padres 1
Cubs fans in the bleachers celebrate a 3-1 Cubs opening wild-card game win over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Brad Keller celebrates with catcher Carson Kelly after getting the last out to win game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Brad Keller (40) celebrates with teammates after getting the last out to win game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson celebrates after scoring on sacrifice fly from second base Nico Hoerner in the eighth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner celebrates after hitting a single during the sixth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the fifth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly hits a solo home run in the bottom of the fifth inning right after teammate Seiya Suzuki homered in the wild-card game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. Kelly put the Cubs up 2-1. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs catcher Carson Kelly celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of Game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs third base coach Quintin Berry high-fives Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki after he hit a solo home run in the fifth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki watches his solo home run in the fifth inning during the wild-card game against the Padres on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly points toward his home run as he rounds first base in the bottom of the fifth inning right after his teammate Seiya Suzuki also hit one during a wild-card game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki, left, celebrates with catcher Carson Kelly after hitting a home run during the fifth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge delivers during the eighth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs fans celebrate after shortstop Dansby Swanson scores on sacrifice fly from second base Nico Hoerner during the eighth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Eddie Vedder, lead singer of Pearl Jam, sings “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” flanked by Cubs broadcasters Pat Hughes, left, and Ron Coomer at the first wild-card game between the Cubs and the Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. The Cubs won 3-1. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge takes a breath before throwing during the eighth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Drew Pomeranz gets Padres outfielder Gavin Sheets out in the top of the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, right, and second baseman Nico Hoerner celebrate after Swanson scored on sacrifice fly during the eighth inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner singles to center field off Padres pitcher Adrian Morejon in the bottom of the sixth inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Craig Counsell hands the baseball to relief pitcher Daniel Palencia to take over for starting pitcher Matthew Boyd in the fifth inning against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30 2025, in Chicago. Palencia got the win for the Cubs in the 3-1 wild-card game. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong catches a fly ball hit by San Diego Padres second base Jake Cronenworth in the top of the seventh inning at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs third baseman Matt Shaw moves baserunner Dansby Swanson to second base with a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the eighth inning in the wild-card game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs outfielder Ian Happ catches a fly ball during the first inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd delivers during the first inning of game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Vendor Marcus Lyons sells nuts outside of Wrigley Field before Game 1 of the wild-card series against the Padres on Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Fans sit outside Wrigley Field before Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres on Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
A worker wipes off seats before Game 1 of the National League Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
People walk in front of the marquee outside of Wrigley Field before Game 1 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs players and San Diego Padres players warm up on the field before Game 1 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Sept. 30, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs fans in the bleachers celebrate a 3-1 Cubs opening wild-card game win over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Tuesday. (Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune)
Seiya Suzuki jolted the 39,114 fans onto their feet at Wrigley Field with a 112.2 mph laser off Padres starter Nick Pivetta into the bleachers to tie the score in the fifth inning. Moments later, catcher Carson Kelly took Pivetta deep to left-center field to put the Cubs ahead on back-to-back homers.
Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Andrew Kittredge and Brad Keller combined to toss 4 2/3 perfect innings in relief for a 3-1 victory in the best-of-three series — the Cubs’ first playoff win since 2017 and their first postseason game since 2020. Nico Hoerner’s sacrifice fly in the eighth provided a late insurance run.
Playoff newcomers stood out as Suzuki, Kelly, Hoerner (two singles) and Michael Busch (single and intentional walk to set up the sac fly) were responsible for five of the Cubs’ six hits. Read more here.
Game 2: Padres 3, Cubs 0
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a 2-run home run off of Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga walks back to the dugout after the conclusion of the top of the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado (13) celebrates with teammate Fernando Tatis Jr. (right) after Machado hit a 2-run home run off of Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga stands by as Padres third baseman Manny Machado, background, rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, at Wrigley Field. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Padres’ Manny Machado hits a 2-run home run off of Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong (4) throws his bat to the ground after striking out to end the second inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans stand in the bleachers while the Cubs play the San Diego Padres during the ninth inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) stands in the outfield during the ninth inning against the Chicago Cubs in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and his teammates watch the action in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) dives safely to second base past San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the third inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) dives safely to second base past San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the third inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) dives safely to second base past San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts (2) during the third inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59) walks to the dugout after the conclusion of the top of the first inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki (27) catches a ball from San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) during the third inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga (18) walks on the mound during the third inning against the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025, in Chicago. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) scores off a sacrifice fly during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki catches a sacrifice fly from San Diego Padres outfielder Jackson Merrill during the first inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Andrew Kittredge watches as San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. steals third base in the first inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Andrew Kittredge delivers to the San Diego Padres in the first inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago police helicopter flies over Wrigley Field after the Cubs lost, 3-0, to the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell and his team stand for the national anthem before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans cheer before the Chicago Cubs play the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs great Andre Dawson, left, has a laugh with Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd, right, before Dawson threw out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson warms up before wild-card Game 2 against the Padres at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Fans walk outside the ballpark before the Cubs host the Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Paul “Santa” Margolis walks in the stands before the Cubs play the Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs warm up on the field before they host the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Pete Crow-Armstrong fan Gabe Carver, 12, of Marion, stands outside Wrigley Field before attending Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Padres players warm up before facing the Cubs in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs manager Craig Counsell walks on the field before the Cubs host the Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
The centerfield scoreboard before the Cubs host the Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field, Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs warm up for Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans arrive at Wrigley Field in Chicago before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs fans hang out at Murphy’s Bleachers tavern outside of Wrigley Field before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and the San Diego Padres on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Pete Crow-Armstrong fan Ryan Denk, of Caledonia, plays catch outside of Wrigley Field in Chicago before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and the San Diego Padres on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Paul Margolis, of Palatine, takes a selfie outside of Wrigley Field before Game 2 of the NL wild-card series between the Cubs and the San Diego Padres on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates after catching a ball from Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner (2) during the eighth inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025.. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) takes out Chicago Cubs pitcher Caleb Thielbar (24) during the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez (4) falls while chasing a foul ball from Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly (15) during the seventh inning of Game 2 in the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
San Diego Padres players celebrate after defeating the Chicago Cubs, 3-0, in Game 2 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki strikes out in the second inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
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San Diego Padres third baseman Manny Machado celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a 2-run home run off of Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Shota Imanaga in the fifth inning of Game 2 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 1, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
The Cubs face a win-or-go-home Game 3 against the San Diego Padres after a 3-0 loss evened the best-of-three National League wild-card series in front of 41,083 fans who were left waiting for a moment to erupt and energize Wrigley Field.
“It would have been really nice to just get this series over with today,” center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong said. “But we’re also prepared to come back tomorrow and do it again.”
The Cubs’ lack of offense again created a slim margin for error. They didn’t have much of an answer for Padres starter Dylan Cease or San Diego’s notoriously tough bullpen. On a quiet day for a lineup that produced just four hits — one after the fourth inning — manager Craig Counsell’s pitching decisions come under scrutiny.
Game 3: Cubs 3, Padres 1
Cubs relief pitchers Andrew Kittredge, from left, Daniel Palencia and catcher Carson Kelly celebrate after beating the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson emerges from the locker room as the team celebrates their NL wild-card series Game 3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson and the team celebrate after their NL wild-card series Game 3 victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, bottom, and manager Craig Counsell, upper left, celebrate with the team after their wild-card series Game 3 victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong runs into place as the team poses following their NL wild-card series Game 3 victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field, Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
The “W” flag flies in the bleachers as the Cubs celebrate after the Game 3 wild-card series victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates after the Cubs NL wild-card series Game 3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia beats a cowbell after the Game 3 win at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell receives a hug on the field as the Cubs celebrate after their NL wild-card series Game 3 victory over the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs first baseman Michael Busch, left, and third baseman Matt Shaw celebrate after the Cubs won Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs players and fans celebrate after the Cubs won Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong celebrates with fans in the bleachers after the Cubs won Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge delivers to the San Diego Padres in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs fans wait in anticipation with two men on base and one out in the ninth inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs first baseman Michael Busch celebrates as he rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run in the seventh inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson celebrates after completing a double play to end the top of the sixth inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson leaps over Padres third baseman Manny Machado at second base to complete a double play to end the top of the sixth inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) turns a double play as Padres runner Manny Machado is out at second base during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson (7) turns a double play over Padres runner Manny Machado at second base during the sixth inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
The leg of Cubs relief pitcher Daniel Palencia hangs over the railing of the photographers well in the eighth inning of their wild-card series Game 3 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki is congratulated in the dugout after scoring a run in the second inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong drives in a run on a single in the second inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, right, and fans cheer as designated hitter Kyle Tucker scores after Pete Crow-Armstrong hit an RBI single in the second inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs relief pitcher Caleb Thielbar is congratulated by his teammates in the dugout after being pulled in the fifth inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon celebrates after getting out all three batters during the third inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs right fielder Seiya Suzuki celebrates after his double in the second inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans cheer after the Cubs scored during the second inning of Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon delivers to the Padres in the first inning of Game 3 of the wild-card series at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong and teammates head out to the field to start Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs radio broadcaster Pat Hughes waves to the crowd before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Mike Lyp and his daughter Shelly Lyp take in the scene before Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ, right, and manager Craig Counsell hang out behind the cage during batting practice for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans try to catch a ball in the left field bleachers during batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Fans wait to enter for the bleacher seats before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs fans enter Wrigley Field for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs fans take in batting practice before Game 3 of wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs chant at Murphy’s Bleachers car before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
A fan with a “W” flag walks outside of Wrigley Field before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros takes batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs fan Eddie Vedder takes in the scene before Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
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Cubs relief pitchers Andrew Kittredge, from left, Daniel Palencia and catcher Carson Kelly celebrate after beating the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the NL wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
Andrew Kittredge made sure to take a moment on the mound to soak in the atmosphere before he threw his first pitch.
The 40,895 raucous fans packed into Wrigley Field were on their feet radiating anxious tension as the Cubs’ last two outs seemed elusive to finish off the Padres in Game 3 of the wild-card series. Reliever Brad Keller hit two Padres with pitches, giving them two runners on and the go-ahead run at the plate. The Cubs, on the verge of advancing, again went to Kittredge, acquired at the trade deadline from the Baltimore Orioles, for a third consecutive day.
“Then I kind of overthrew my pitch into the dirt,” a champagne- and beer-soaked Kittredge said, grinning in a rowdy clubhouse afterward.
The veteran reliever, called on in the biggest moment of a win-or-go-home Game 3, retired the Padres’ Freddy Fermin and Jake Cronenworth to strand the runners on second and third, saving the Cubs’ 3-1 win and advancing them in the postseason for the first time since 2017.
Flashback to 1984 as Cubs and Padres meet again in the postseason
Cubs second baseman Ryne Sandberg, left, douses winning pitcher Rick Sutcliffe with champagne after the Cubs clinched the National League East title on Sept. 24, 1984, in Pittsburgh. (Ed Wagner Jr./Chicago Tribune)
Flashbacks from 1984 are a painful but necessary part of understanding the history of the Cubs and Padres as they meet in a wild-card series at Wrigley Field.
It really was the best of times for Cubs fans, who had gone 39 years without a postseason team, only to watch Ryne Sandberg, Rick Sutcliffe and a scrappy bunch lift the Cubs to a National League East title.
And then it turned into the worst of times for those same fans, who watched the Cubs blow a 2-0 lead in the National League Championship Series and lose Game 5 in San Diego thanks in no small part to a ground ball through the legs of first baseman Leon Durham, whose glove was sticky from a Gatorade spill. Read more here.
Nico Hoerner takes consistency — and ‘competitive fire’ — into postseason
Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner takes batting practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner always plays with an edge.
His impact on the field and on those around him did not go unnoticed by his teammates. Beyond contending for the National League batting title, what Hoerner does behind the scenes resonates within the clubhouse. Known for his prep work in the cage and weight room, the little things at times can be as valuable as on-field results.
“I think what people don’t necessarily understand about Nico is just his competitive fire and spirit,” shortstop Dansby Swanson told the Tribune. Read more here.
How the Cubs got here
Workers paint a playoff logo on the grass at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner takes batting practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cub Justin Turner throws a ball during practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd speaks to the media at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs’ Ian Happ watches teammates take batting practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs outfielder Kevin Alcántara takes batting practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Cubs pitcher Drew Pomeranz heads to the clubhouse after a practice session at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
A cyclist rides past Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the Cubs get ready to face the San Diego Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Wrigley Field is prepped on Sept. 29, 2025, as the Cubs get ready to face the San Diego Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell speaks to the media at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Baseballs used in practice at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
Workers paint a playoff logo on the grass at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
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Workers paint a playoff logo on the grass at Wrigley Field on Sept. 29, 2025, as the team gets ready to face the Padres in a wild-card playoff series starting on Tuesday. (Terrence Antonio James/Chicago Tribune)
The Cubs finally can take the postseason bunting out of the mothballs. Playoff baseball will return to Wrigley Field for the first time in five years, and for the first time with fans inside the ballpark since 2018.
The Cubs clinched home field for their National League wild-card series with a 7-3 win over the Cardinals on Saturday. Manager Craig Counsell said clinching home field at home was “really important and really special” for the players and coaches, but more so for Cubs fans.
This wild Cubs season has had quite a few highs and lows, from opening day in Tokyo to Saturday’s win that clinched the home wild-card series. Read more here.