The San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs are set to meet in the decisive Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series. The series is currently tied 1-1, making this game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL crucial for both teams. Fans can catch the action on ESPN at 5:08 PM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, under overcast skies with a light breeze.
The Padres, managed by Mike Schildt, finished the regular season with a 90-72 record, placing them three games behind in the NL West. Their road record of 38-43 suggests potential challenges away from PETCO Park. In the previous game of the series, the Padres secured a 3-0 victory, showcasing their ability to perform under playoff pressure.
Under the leadership of manager Craig Counsell, the Cubs concluded the regular season with a 92-70 record, trailing by five games in the NL Central. They have a strong home record of 50-31, which could prove advantageous in this series-deciding game. Despite their recent loss to the Padres, the Cubs’ previous 3-1 win in Game 1 highlights their competitive edge at Wrigley Field.
Cubs vs Padres NL Wild Card 3 At a Glance
- Series Status: The series is tied 1-1, making this Game 3 decisive for the NL Wild Card.
- Game Location: Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL, known for its outdoor field environment.
- Weather Conditions: Expect a warm day with a light crosswind breeze and overcast clouds.
- Television Broadcast: Tune into ESPN for live coverage of the game.
- Padres’ Regular Season Record: San Diego finished with a record of 90-72, 3 games back in the NL West.
- Game Odds: The Padres have a moneyline of -103, while the Cubs’ moneyline stands at -115.
Can the Cubs Tame the Padres’ Roar? A Pivotal Game Awaits
San Diego Padres: Season Overview
The San Diego Padres have shown resilience this season with a balanced team effort. Their pitching staff, led by Yu Darvish, has been critical in maintaining competitive games. Darvish, with a 5.38 ERA, looks to find his rhythm as he faces the Cubs.
Despite struggles, Darvish’s experience provides the Padres a sense of stability. His record may not reflect dominance, but his ability to step up in crucial games cannot be underestimated.
Offensive Threats
Manny Machado remains a vital component of the Padres’ offense, known for his ability to change the game’s momentum. His recent home run against the Cubs highlights his knack for delivering in critical moments.
Fernando Tatis Jr., another key player, has consistently provided offensive support. His capability to get on base and generate runs adds depth to the Padres’ lineup.
Pitching Performance
The Padres’ bullpen has been a formidable force, showcasing strong control and effectiveness. Their ability to hold the Cubs scoreless in Game 2 was a testament to their depth.
In particular, Mason Miller’s high-velocity pitches have posed challenges for opposing hitters. His strikeout capability provides an edge for the Padres’ pitching arsenal.
Padres’ Strategy
San Diego will likely focus on early runs to take pressure off their pitching staff. Maintaining composure and seizing scoring opportunities will be crucial for them.
Manager Mike Shildt’s decisions will be vital in navigating the game, particularly with bullpen management to preserve leads.
Betting Trends for San Diego Padres
- SU in Last 3 Games: 2-1 (66.7%)
- SU in Postseason: 2-1 (66.7%)
- Runline Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U in Last 3 Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U as Underdog: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U in Night Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
Padres Set for Pivotal Showdown with Cubs at Wrigley
Chicago Cubs Offensive Overview
The Chicago Cubs have consistently demonstrated a balanced offensive approach throughout the 2025 season. Their batting average ranks 5th in the league at .252, which highlights their ability to get on base. However, their slugging percentage of .390, ranking 17th, suggests a need for more power hitting.
With 152 home runs, the Cubs are positioned 25th, indicating a reliance on small ball to produce runs. Their 254 doubles and 510 walks, ranked 15th and 16th respectively, show a focus on getting players into scoring positions. Despite these figures, they are prone to strikeouts with a total of 1161, the 3rd highest in the league.
Key Players to Watch
In the Cubs lineup, several players can make a significant impact in their upcoming game against the Padres. With a deep roster, they have shown the ability to produce runs from various parts of the batting order. The focus will be on maintaining a strategic offensive approach to challenge the Padres’ pitching staff.
Additionally, the Cubs will look to capitalize on any mistakes from Padres’ starter Yu Darvish. Given Darvish’s recent struggles, the Cubs might exploit his vulnerability and apply pressure early in the game.
Cubs Pitching Performance
The Cubs pitching staff has been a cornerstone of their success, with a notable earned run average (ERA) of 3.64, placing them 3rd in the league. This performance has been supported by a league-leading batting average against of .225. Their ability to limit opponents’ offensive output is key to their strategy.
Jameson Taillon, the Cubs’ starting pitcher for this game, has been a reliable presence on the mound. His ERA of 3.68 and WHIP of 1.06 showcase his effectiveness in controlling games, giving the Cubs a solid chance to keep the Padres’ bats in check.
Team Betting Trends
- SU in Day Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU vs League Opponents: 1-1 (50.0%)
- Runline as Underdog: 1-1 (50.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 0-2 (0.0%)
These trends reflect the Cubs’ mixed outcomes in different scenarios, highlighting areas for improvement. Their performance as underdogs and in day games shows resilience, though their over/under results suggest a struggle to meet expectations offensively.
Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Cubs -115
In a crucial Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series, the Chicago Cubs are in a position where they need to capitalize on their home advantage at Wrigley Field. The Cubs have a solid home record of 50-31 this season, which should give them confidence. Despite their struggles in Game 2, the Cubs have shown resilience, winning after a loss this postseason.
Jameson Taillon will start for the Cubs, and his recent performance has been impressive with a 1.54 ERA in his last four starts. His ability to keep the Padres’ hitters in check will be vital for the Cubs. Moreover, the Padres’ Yu Darvish has had trouble pitching beyond five innings, potentially exposing San Diego’s bullpen earlier in the game.
The Cubs’ lineup needs to step up after being shut out in Game 2. However, with Taillon’s reliable pitching and the Cubs’ strong home presence, they have a favorable chance to win this decisive game. The Cubs have a potent lineup that ranked 5th in slugging percentage during the regular season, and they must utilize this potential to advance.
Given the Cubs’ ability to bounce back, their home-field advantage, and Taillon’s recent form, the Cubs are the pick at -115. Expect a low-scoring affair with Taillon leading the way, resulting in a 3-1 victory for the Cubs.
- Cubs vs Padres Prediction: Cubs -115
- Cubs vs Padres Score: Cubs 3 – Padres 1
