Manny Machado shines as Padres defeat Cubs in pivotal NL Wild Card game

In the United States, on October 1, 2025, the San Diego Padres defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-0 in Game 2 of their National League Wild Card Series, setting the stage for a decisive Game 3. Manny Machado led the charge with a two-run home run, showcasing his potential impact on the team's postseason aspirations. The game took place at Wrigley Field, crucially amplifying both teams' hopes of advancing in the playoffs. Dylan Cease provided an initially strong performance for the Cubs, striking out five in 3 2/3 innings, but the bullpen struggled to contain the Padres' hitters. This victory was particularly significant for the Padres as they sought to replicate their success from the previous postseason where they advanced past the St. Louis Cardinals after a similar setup in their playoff series. Mason Miller was another standout, dominating on the mound while reaching an impressive pitch speed of 104.5 mph, marking a standout moment in his postseason debut. His contribution was vital as he captured five strikeouts and helped maintain the momentum for the Padres throughout the game. The series now pivots on the next game at Wrigley Field, pushing both teams to raise their offensive output. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged the need for improvement, signaling the urgency as the team geared up for the decisive match. The last time the Cubs were in the playoffs was five years ago, adding intensity to their pursuit of victory. Yu Darvish, a former Cub, is set to pitch for the Padres in the upcoming game, adding a layer of intrigue as he returns to Wrigley Field. Darvish's experience and familiarity with the venue could give the Padres an edge, but the Cubs will need to adapt quickly to stay competitive.