Cubs win pivotal Game 1 in National League Wild Card series against Padres

In a significant playoff matchup, the Chicago Cubs faced off against the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card series at Wrigley Field on October 1, 2025. This game was crucial as it marked the Cubs' attempt to secure a spot in the playoffs while aiming for their first postseason series win since 2017. The Cubs succeeded in achieving an important victory, defeating the Padres with a score of 3-1, propelled by an energized crowd and stellar performances from key players. Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly shone bright by hitting back-to-back home runs, which drastically shifted the momentum in the fifth inning. The Cubs had not secured a playoff win since 2017; thus, this victory was especially meaningful for the team and its supporters. The Cubs managed to hold the Padres to only one run with impressive pitching and strong defensive play. The team's bullpen was particularly effective, delivering 4.2 innings of no-hit relief, showcasing the depth of their pitching staff. Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner contributed an insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning, further solidifying the Cubs' advantage. The matchup was intense, reflecting the competitive nature of these two teams. Before this series, the Cubs and Padres had split their regular-season matchups, indicating how closely contested their games had been throughout the year. However, the Cubs had the home-field advantage and were ready to leverage the energy from their fans to potentially sweep the series. The excitement in the stadium was palpable, and manager Craig Counsell noted how the atmosphere generated by the fans was instrumental in fueling their performance, particularly during critical moments in the game. As anticipation builds for Game 2, the Cubs will look to Andrew Kittredge, who has had a respectable season with a record of 4-3, to guide them towards closing out the series. This strategy could either propel them into the next round of playoffs or set the stage for a more extended series if they can't secure another win against the Padres. With the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m., fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the Cubs can clinch the series earlier than expected and bring the excitement of postseason baseball back to Wrigley Field.