The Chicago Cubs kick off their NL Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres tonight at 10 p.m. ET, with both teams vying for a chance to advance in the playoffs.
Why it matters: This matchup is a rematch of last year’s Wild Card Series, where the Cubs triumphed over the Padres. The stakes are high as both teams look to secure a spot in the next round of the playoffs.
The Cubs finished the regular season with a record of 89-73, securing a Wild Card berth.
The Padres concluded their season at 91-71, earning home-field advantage in this series.
This best-of-three series will determine who advances to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Divisional Round.
Driving the news: The Cubs and Padres meet tonight at Petco Park, marking the start of their postseason battle. The Cubs are looking to build on their previous success against the Padres from last year.
The first pitch is set for 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT), with the game broadcast nationally on NBCSN and streaming on Peacock.
Matthew Boyd is slated to start for the Cubs, with Michael King taking the mound for the Padres.
Both teams have shown strong finishes to the season, making this matchup particularly competitive.
State of play: The Cubs are coming off a mixed final week, finishing 2-4 but securing a win against the Boston Red Sox in their last game.
Cubs' Alex Bregman, who recently returned from injury, is expected to make a big impact after hitting two home runs in his last outing.
The Cubs lineup features Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off, followed by Bregman as designated hitter.
Boyd, with a postseason ERA of 1.66 from last year's opener against the Padres, aims to replicate that success tonight.
The big picture: This series is a continuation of a rivalry that has heated up in recent years, especially after the Cubs eliminated the Padres in the Wild Card round last season.
The Cubs are seeking their first playoff series win since 2016, when they last won the World Series.
The Padres are also eager to prove themselves after finishing strong in the regular season.
Fans can expect a thrilling series as both teams bring their best to the field.
What they're saying: Players and coaches from both teams have expressed confidence heading into the series.
"We know what we’re capable of, and we’re ready to show it on the big stage," said Cubs manager David Ross.
Padres manager Bob Melvin emphasized the importance of home-field advantage: "Playing at Petco Park gives us a boost, and we’re looking to use that to our advantage."
Expectations are high as both teams aim to capitalize on their strengths.
By the numbers: The Cubs and Padres have closely matched records this season, setting the stage for an exciting series.
Cubs: 89 wins, 73 losses; playoff appearance after a five-year absence.
Padres: 91 wins, 71 losses; clinched home-field advantage with a strong finish.
Matthew Boyd's postseason experience includes 7 games with a career ERA of 1.66 against the Padres.
What's next: Game 1 is just the beginning, with a potential Game 2 scheduled for September 30, 2026.
The winner of this series will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers, who are two-time defending World Series champions.
Fans can catch all the action live on NBCSN and Peacock, with various streaming options available for those without cable.
As the postseason heats up, anticipation builds for what could be a memorable series.