Cubs to Face Padres in National League Wild-Card Series

The Chicago Cubs, holding the No. 5 seed, are set to compete against the fourth-seeded San Diego Padres in a best-of-three National League wild-card series. The games commence Tuesday at Petco Park.

The Cubs secured the second position in the NL Central for the fourth year running, following the Milwaukee Brewers, who clinched their fourth consecutive division title. In their preceding playoff appearance, the Cubs triumphed over the Padres in last season’s wild-card series at Wrigley Field, but fell to the Brewers 3-2 in the division series.

During this season, the Cubs dominated the Padres with a 5-1 record, racking up a total score of 55-28, including a notable 23-3 victory on July 1.

The Cubs last contested a postseason series in San Diego during the 1984 National League Championship Series. The Padres secured all home games and won the series 3-2.

No. 5 Cubs at No. 4 Padres
All games on Peacock/NBCSN

• Game 1: Tuesday, 9 p.m.
• Game 2: Wednesday, 9 p.m.
• Game 3: Thursday, TBD, if necessary

Following the wild-card series, the division series runs from October 3-10 in a best-of-five, 2-2-1 format. The matchup for No. 1 Brewers will be against the winner of the Cubs/Padres series. Meanwhile, No. 2 Los Angeles Dodgers are set to face the winner of the series between the Atlanta Braves and the No. 6 seed.

The championship series is scheduled for October 11-20 and follows a best-of-seven, 2-3-2 format.

More updates on Chicago Cubs:

• The Cubs’ wild-card rotation plans are uncertain as they keep an eye on Kevin Gausman’s left shoulder injury.
• There’s speculation around whether a remarkable performance from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Shohei Ohtani will unfold this October.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong credits his rise to an MVP-caliber hitter to the guidance of a Cubs coach whom he regards as a ‘baseball dad.’
• The Cubs celebrate their return to the postseason but remain focused on a more extended playoff campaign.
• Pete Crow-Armstrong achieved a 40-40 season, becoming the first Chicago Cub to do so, and only the seventh player in MLB history.

Since 1906, the postseason performance of the Cubs and White Sox showcases their journey in the playoffs. This year, both teams will contend in wild-card series on the road starting Tuesday.

Alex Bregman’s comeback failed to prevent the Cubs from enduring a doubleheader sweep, adversely affecting their home wild-card aspirations.