The San Diego Padres travel to Wrigley Field to face the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for an afternoon game. The Padres, managed by Mike Schildt, are looking to rebound from a recent loss, standing at 0-1 this season. Meanwhile, the Cubs, under the guidance of Craig Counsell, aim to maintain their momentum, having started the season with a win.
San Diego’s record last season was 90-72, placing them three games behind in the NL West. Their road record was 38-43, indicating potential challenges when away from their home base, PETCO Park. On the other hand, the Cubs ended the previous season at 92-70 and performed well at home with a 50-31 record at Wrigley Field.
Fans tuning in on ABC can anticipate a game played under overcast clouds with a light breeze, which could influence play at the outdoor venue. The Cubs hold a slight edge in the moneyline odds, set at -114 compared to the Padres’ -104. The over/under total for the game is pegged at 6.5 runs, suggesting a potentially low-scoring contest.
Cubs vs Padres At a Glance
- Game Location: The game will be held at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL.
- Weather Outlook: Expect an overcast day with mild temperatures and a light crosswind.
- Broadcast Info: Tune in to ABC to catch the live action.
- Current Standings: The Cubs lead the division with a 1-0 record, while the Padres are 0-1.
- Betting Odds: The Cubs have a slight edge with a moneyline of -114 against the Padres’ -104.
- Game Timing: The game is scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 3:08 PM.
Chicago Cubs Set to Take on San Diego Padres: A Showdown on the Horizon
Padres Team Overview
The San Diego Padres enter the game with a mixed bag of performances this season. Their batting average of .249 ranks them 8th in the league, showing a decent offensive output. However, their pitching has had its struggles, as indicated by a 4.55 ERA from their starter, Dylan Cease.
The Padres have been aggressive on the base paths with 161 stolen bases, placing them 3rd in the league. This speed could be a key factor against the Cubs. Despite their efforts, the Padres have given up a significant number of home runs, totaling 202, ranking them 21st.
Key Players to Watch
Leading the charge for the Padres’ offense is Dylan Cease, not only a pitcher but also a vital contributor in their lineup. Cease’s ability to control the game will be crucial against a formidable Cubs lineup. His season stats, with a WHIP of 1.33, reflect both potential and vulnerability.
On the batting side, Fernando Tatis Jr. continues to be a focal point with his impressive slugging ability. His presence in the lineup brings a dual threat, both at the plate and on the bases. The Cubs’ pitching staff will need to approach him with caution.
Padres Pitching Dynamics
The Padres’ pitching staff has faced challenges, marked by an ERA of 3.81, ranking them 9th in the league. While they manage to keep runs somewhat in check, their high number of strikeouts, 1265, ranks them 26th, indicating potential control issues.
Cease’s performance will be under scrutiny, especially with the Padres’ need for quality starts, having only 61 to their name this season. How he handles the Cubs’ lineup could dictate the outcome of the game.
Betting Trends for the Padres
- SU Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5 Games: 2-3 (40.0%)
- SU Last 10 Games: 4-6 (40.0%)
- SU All Games: 79-83 (48.8%)
- SU as Underdog: 33-50 (39.8%)
- SU in Day Games: 23-22 (51.1%)
- SU in Away Games: 34-47 (42.0%)
- SU vs League Opponents: 79-83 (48.8%)
The Padres’ performance in away games this season hasn’t been stellar, which might play into the Cubs’ hands. With a 42.0% win rate on the road, they will need to bring their A-game to Wrigley Field.
Padres Ready to Strike in Away Game Showdown
Chicago Cubs’ Batting Lineup Overview
The Chicago Cubs’ offense has shown a balanced approach, with a team batting average of .252, ranking 5th in the league. They have been particularly effective in reaching base, as evidenced by their .318 on-base percentage, which is 8th best in the league. However, their power numbers have lagged, with a slugging percentage of .390, placing them 17th overall.
Despite their lower power numbers, the Cubs have managed to produce a significant amount of doubles, with 254 on the season, ranking them 15th. Their patience at the plate is also commendable, having drawn 510 walks, which is 16th in the league. However, they are prone to strikeouts, with 1161 on the season, ranking them 3rd in that category.
Key Players to Watch
Among the Cubs’ lineup, several players stand out for their contributions. Their ability to manufacture runs without relying heavily on the long ball is crucial, given their 152 home runs, placing them 25th in the league. This strategy has allowed them to remain competitive in games despite not leading the league in power statistics.
Their lineup features players who excel in making contact and getting on base, which is critical given their ranking in both batting average and on-base percentage. These players will need to continue their steady performances to challenge the Padres’ strong pitching staff.
Cubs’ Pitching Strengths
On the pitching side, the Cubs have been formidable with a team ERA of 3.64, placing them 3rd in the league. Their ability to limit opposing teams’ batting averages to .225 is unmatched, leading the league in this category. This stingy pitching staff has been key to their success this season.
Quality starts have been a solid aspect of the Cubs’ pitching strategy, with 48 recorded, placing them 16th. Their pitchers have been effective in striking out batters, with 1425 strikeouts on the season, ranking 8th. However, they’ve allowed 178 home runs, which is 12th in the league, suggesting a slight vulnerability to the long ball.
Betting Trends for the Cubs
- SU Last 3 Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5 Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10 Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Runline Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- Runline Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Cubs -114
The Chicago Cubs have shown strength at home with a 50-31 record during the regular season. As they play at Wrigley Field, they maintain a home advantage which could be pivotal in securing a win over the Padres. With Andrew Kittredge starting for the Cubs, his 3.40 ERA and 0.98 WHIP suggest he can effectively manage the Padres’ lineup.
The Cubs won the previous game against the Padres with a score of 3-1, indicating their ability to perform against San Diego’s pitching. Their home success, coupled with Kittredge’s performance, supports betting on the Cubs’ moneyline at -114. The Padres, while strong, have a less favorable road record of 38-43.
San Diego’s starter, Dylan Cease, has had a challenging season with an 8-12 record and a 4.55 ERA. The Cubs’ lineup, ranked higher in slugging percentage, can capitalize on Cease’s vulnerability, offering them an edge. Additionally, the Cubs’ current winning streak indicates their momentum in this postseason matchup.
Given the pitching matchups and recent form, the Cubs are favored to win this game, supported by home-field advantage and superior pitching. Projected final score: Cubs 4 – Padres 2.
- Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Cubs -114
- Cubs vs Padres Score: Cubs 4 – Padres 2
