The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are locked in a tense National League Wild Card Series, with Game 3 set to decide who advances to face the Brewers. After splitting the first two games at Wrigley Field—Cubs taking a 3-1 victory in the opener on Tuesday, only for the Padres to even it up 4-2 on Wednesday—the pressure is immense. Indeed, this do-or-die matchup tips off Thursday evening, a classic October drama unfolding under the lights.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell, ever the strategist, has tapped right-hander Jameson Taillon to start, hoping to harness the home crowd's energy once more. On the other side, San Diego counters with Dylan Cease, whose electric stuff could silence the Wrigley faithful if he finds his command early. Key to watch: Dansby Swanson at shortstop for Chicago, whose steady glove and timely bat have been crucial in this playoff push, especially after a regular season where the Cubs clinched the No. 6 seed with 89 wins.
Moreover, the Padres, sitting at 92 wins as the No. 3 seed, bring a lineup loaded with firepower—think Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado—who nearly stole Game 1 but roared back in the second. However, their bullpen depth has shown cracks, something Counsell's squad might exploit late. Fans wondering what time is the Cubs game today should note the 8:08 p.m. ET first pitch, a slot that keeps the West Coast awake and the Midwest buzzing.
As for where to watch, ESPN carries the national broadcast, with local options on Marquee Sports Network for Cubs viewers and SDPA for Padres fans. Streaming hits ESPN+ and MLB.tv, making it easy to catch every pitch without missing a beat. The series has already delivered edge-of-your-seat moments, from Pete Crow-Armstrong's defensive gems to Jackson Merrill's clutch hitting for San Diego.
Yet, in this high-stakes elimination game, one team will extend their season while the other packs it in early—what does that mean for the futures of these franchises?