The San Diego Padres will take on the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, with the first pitch scheduled for 3:08 PM. Both teams enter this game with fresh records of 0-0, sharing the top rank in their respective divisions. Fans can catch the action live on ABC, as the teams play in clear skies with a light breeze blowing out.
San Diego comes into this game after a strong regular season, posting a 90-72 record and securing 3 games behind in the NL West. The Padres, managed by Mike Schildt, have showcased considerable strength at home with a 52-29 record but have been less effective on the road with 38-43. Their recent performance includes a significant 12-4 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighting a potent offensive lineup.
The Chicago Cubs, under the guidance of manager Craig Counsell, finished the regular season with a 92-70 record, sitting 5 games behind in the NL Central. They proved to be a formidable force at Wrigley Field with a 50-31 home record. The Cubs are coming off a 2-0 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals, showcasing their pitching prowess with Javier Assad leading the charge.
Cubs vs Padres At a Glance
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL
- Current Records: Both teams are tied at 0-0, ranking 1st in their divisions.
- Weather Forecast: Clear skies with a mild day and light breeze.
- Broadcast: The game will be aired on ABC.
- Game Odds: Padres moneyline at -103 and Cubs moneyline at -115.
- Game Time: Scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 3:08 PM.
Chicago Cubs Ready to Roar Against Padres in Playoff Opener
Padres Overview: Hitting and Power
The San Diego Padres enter the postseason with a strong lineup, ranking 8th in batting average at .249. Their on-base percentage stands at .320, placing them 6th, which underscores their capability to get on base and generate scoring opportunities.
Slugging is another strength for the Padres, with a .430 percentage, which is 5th best in the league. This power is further emphasized by their 223 home runs, ranking 6th, demonstrating their ability to change the game with a single swing.
Padres’ Speed and Discipline on the Base Paths
The Padres are not just about power; they also rank 3rd in stolen bases with 161, showcasing their speed and aggressive base running. This adds a layer of complexity for opponents, who must be wary of their ability to disrupt defenses.
In terms of discipline, the Padres have drawn 554 walks, ranking 7th, indicating patience at the plate and the ability to work counts in their favor.
Padres Pitching: Strengths and Weaknesses
San Diego’s pitching staff holds a respectable 3.81 ERA, placing them 9th, while maintaining a batting average against of .238, also 9th. This suggests a solid ability to limit opposing offenses.
However, the Padres have given up 202 home runs, ranking 21st, which could be a potential weakness against power-hitting teams like the Cubs. Despite this, their 61 quality starts indicate consistency in their rotation.
San Diego’s Defensive Capabilities
The Padres’ defense is further strengthened by their ability to limit errors and capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes. Their pitchers have managed to keep walks in check, contributing to their overall defensive strategy.
Their bullpen has a record of blowing 20 saves, ranking 3rd, which might be a concern in high-stakes playoff games, potentially affecting their ability to close out tight contests.
Team Betting Trends
- The Padres have struggled on the road, finishing with a 38-43 away record this season.
- They have a tendency to perform better at home, which might affect their confidence playing in Wrigley Field.
- San Diego is 3-7 in their last 10 postseason games, highlighting their recent playoff challenges.
- The Padres have a strong track record when scoring first, reflecting the importance of taking an early lead.
Padres Set to Continue Dominance Against the Cubs
Chicago Cubs Overview
The Chicago Cubs head into this postseason game with a solid record, spearheaded by a competitive roster. Their season has been marked by consistent performances that have led them to this pivotal encounter against the Padres.
As they prepare to play away at Wrigley Field, the Cubs are determined to leverage their strengths and capitalize on any weaknesses in the Padres’ lineup. With Matthew Boyd taking the mound, the Cubs are confident in their pitching prowess.
Key Players to Watch
Matthew Boyd stands out as a crucial player for the Cubs with his impressive ERA of 3.21 and a WHIP of 1.09. His ability to control the game from the mound will be critical in keeping the Padres’ hitters at bay.
Offensively, the Cubs will rely on their top hitters to provide the necessary firepower. With a lineup filled with talent, they aim to challenge the Padres’ pitching staff and make a statement in this postseason matchup.
Pitching Strategy
The Cubs’ strategy will revolve around Boyd’s ability to navigate through the Padres’ batting order effectively. His track record this season suggests he can handle high-pressure situations, making him a key figure in this game.
Supporting Boyd will be a bullpen ready to step up if needed. The Cubs have prepared to adjust their pitching strategy as the game unfolds, ensuring they remain competitive throughout the contest.
Offensive Approach
Chicago’s offense will focus on creating opportunities through disciplined at-bats and timely hitting. They will look to exploit any pitching lapses from the Padres to gain an advantage early in the game.
Key hitters will need to produce at critical moments, using their experience and skill to challenge the Padres’ defense. This approach is vital for the Cubs to maintain pressure on their opponents throughout the game.
Team Betting Trends
- The Cubs are 5-2 in their last 7 games as an underdog.
- They have hit the under in 6 of their last 8 games on the road.
- Chicago is 8-3 in their last 11 games following a win.
Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Padres -103
The San Diego Padres head to Wrigley Field to take on the Chicago Cubs in the Wild Card series. With a strong finish to the regular season, winning three straight and securing their 90th win, the Padres appear poised for a solid playoff run. Nick Pivetta, with a stellar 2.87 ERA, will be on the mound, providing an advantage in Game 1.
The Cubs, while having home-field advantage, have faced challenges such as the injury to key pitcher Cade Horton. Matthew Boyd will start for the Cubs, but his recent struggles, including a 5.51 ERA over his last nine starts, could be a concern against a potent Padres lineup. The Padres’ offense has been surging, indicated by a 12-4 victory in their final regular season game.
Historically, the Padres have done well against the Cubs, and with key players like Manny Machado contributing offensively, they seem well-equipped to handle the Cubs’ pitching. The wind blowing out at Wrigley could further aid the Padres’ powerful lineup, making them a compelling pick at -103 odds.
With the Padres’ combination of strong pitching, recent offensive success, and a favorable betting line, they offer good value against a Cubs team missing key players. Expect the Padres to take Game 1 with a final score of Padres 4 – Cubs 2.
- Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Padres -103
- Cubs vs Padres Score: Padres 4 – Cubs 2
