The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are locked in a tense National League Wild Card Series, with everything on the line in Game 3 this afternoon. After splitting the first two games at Wrigley Field—Cubs taking a 3-1 victory on Tuesday behind strong pitching, only for the Padres to rebound with a 3-0 shutout on Wednesday—the series now hinges on this decisive matchup. It's the Cubs' first playoff appearance since 2020, and the pressure is palpable on manager Craig Counsell to navigate his squad through this early October test.
Game 3 kicks off at 2:08 p.m. CT from Wrigley Field, a classic day game under the Chicago sun that could extend into the evening if the drama unfolds. For viewers, the broadcast is set for ESPN nationally, with local coverage on ABC7 Chicago for Cubs fans and FOX Sports San Diego for the Padres side. Streaming options abound too—ESPN+ for out-of-market watchers, or MLB.tv if you're subscribed, though blackouts apply in the home markets. Indeed, catching this one might require juggling a few apps, but the stakes make it worth the hassle.
Counsell has tabbed right-hander Jameson Taillon to start for Chicago, facing off against San Diego's Dylan Cease, whose electric stuff could spell trouble for the Cubs' lineup. Dansby Swanson, the Cubs' shortstop, has been a quiet force so far, but his timely hits might prove crucial today. The Padres, meanwhile, lean on their deep bullpen after a gritty win yesterday. However, Wrigley's winds and the home crowd could tilt things Cubs' way—or not, given San Diego's road resilience this season.
Moreover, this game's outcome sends the winner to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the Division Series, while the loser packs it in early. The Cubs finished the regular season at 89-73, nipping at the Padres' 88-74 mark for the No. 5 seed spot. It's been a gritty path for both, but only one advances.
As the first pitch approaches, one can't help but wonder if this Wrigley magic will carry the Cubs deeper into October.