The Chicago Cubs look to win their first postseason series since 2017 this afternoon against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field.
San Diego proved in Game 2 that they wouldn’t go quietly, shutting out the Cubs 3-0. Jackson Merrill opened the scoring with a sacrifice fly that drove in Fernando Tatis Jr. in the top of the first, and Manny Machado added insurance with a two-run homer to left in the fifth.
The Padres’ pitching staff did the rest. Dylan Cease worked 3.2 scoreless innings before the bullpen took over, combining for 5.1 innings of one-hit ball. Mason Miller was electric, touching 104.5 mph with his fastball and reminding everyone why San Diego’s relief corps has been the best in baseball this season.
Today, Yu Darvish takes the mound for the Padres. The 39-year-old has struggled to regain consistency since returning from injury, finishing the regular season with a 5-5 record and 5.38 ERA.
San Diego has kept him on a short leash lately, rarely letting him pitch beyond six innings and turning games over early to their bullpen. Still, Darvish’s postseason track record is strong — a 2.56 ERA across six playoff starts with the Padres — though he isn’t the same pitcher he once was.
Jameson Taillon gets the start for Chicago. The right-hander went 11-7 with a 3.68 ERA in 2025 and finished the year in excellent form, posting a 1.85 ERA over his final six starts. He limited San Diego to two runs in 5.1 innings during their only meeting this season.
This will be Taillon’s second career postseason start and third appearance, following two outings with the Yankees in 2022. While Darvish has the experience edge, Taillon’s recent form gives the Cubs confidence in a must-win spot.
Prediction
This game will likely come down to the bullpens and late swings. The Cubs have more power in their lineup and the ability to change the game with one swing.
Prediction: Cubs 5, Padres 4
Starting Lineups
San Diego Padres
1. Fernando Tatis Jr. — RF
2. Luis Arraez — 1B
3. Manny Machado — 3B
4. Jackson Merrill — CF
5. Xander Bogaerts — SS
6. Ryan O’Hearn — DH
7. Gavin Sheets — LF
8. Jake Cronenworth — 2B
9. Freddy Fermin — C
Starting Pitcher: Yu Darvish (RHP) — 5-5, 5.38 ERA (2025 Regular Season)
Chicago Cubs
1. Michael Busch – 1B
2. Nico Hoerner – 2B
3. Ian Happ – LF
4. Kyle Tucker – DH
5. Seiya Suzuki – RF
6. Carson Kelly – C
7. Pete Crow-Armstrong – CF
8. Dansby Swanson – SS
9. Matt Shaw – 3B
Starting Pitcher: Jameson Taillon (RHP) 11-7, 3.68 ERA (2025 Regular Season)
How to Watch Padres vs. Cubs
First pitch for this afternoon’s game between the San Diego Padres and Chicago Cubs is set for 5:08 PM Eastern / 4:08 PM Central / 2:08 PM Pacific at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
The game airs live on ESPN and streams on the ESPN app and website.
If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.
YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.
San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 5:08 PM Eastern / 4:08 PM Central / 2:08 PM Pacific
Venue: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN apps and websites
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