Cubs-Padres 2026 Wild Card Series takeaways
The San Diego Padres swept the Chicago Cubs in the 2026 NL Wild Card Series, advancing to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Division Series. Key performances from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado propelled the Padres, while the Cubs' star players struggled.
Why it matters
The series outcome marks a significant turnaround for the Padres following their previous postseason disappointments and highlights the impact of star-player performance in high-stakes baseball.
SAN DIEGO -- The Padres made sure this year was different.
The 2025 iteration of this National League Wild Card Series in Chicago left a sour taste in San Diego’s mouth, and rightfully so. An already struggling lineup flatlined. There were virtually no big moments. They didn’t have a raucous Petco Park behind them.
San Diego flipped the script completely, cruising through a dominant -- and very loud -- two nights to sweep the Cubs in the NL Wild Card Series, capped by a 4-1 win in Wednesday’s Game 2. The Padres will now advance to the Division Series to face the No. 1 seeded Brewers, who won an MLB-best 103 games during the regular season. Game 1 is on Saturday in Milwaukee.
“We’re playing our best baseball at the right time,” said Padres first baseman Ty France. “We’re looking forward to continuing it.”
Also covering this story
4 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
MLB Wild Card Series Game 1: Cubs vs. Padres, Tuesday 9/29, 9 p.m CT live!
Padres pummel Cubs behind Tatis' leadoff blast, King's gem in Game 1 - ESPN
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Michael King flirts with no-hitter as Padres dominate Cubs in wild-card Game 1
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