Padres Enter MLB Playoffs Facing Cubs After Historic Season

The San Diego Padres, having secured consecutive 90-win seasons for the first time in franchise history, are set to face the Chicago Cubs in a best-of-three National League Wild Card Series starting Tuesday at Wrigley Field. The Padres have been strong offensively recently, with key players like Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Jackson Merrill heating up, while their bullpen remains one of the best in the league. Nick Pivetta, the Padres' most consistent pitcher this season, is slated to start Game 1, with manager Mike Shildt praising his performance and reliability. The Cubs, who finished with a 92-70 record, have had an inconsistent season, sparking debate among fans about their true form going into the postseason. This will be the first postseason meeting between the two teams since 1984, when the Padres overcame an early series deficit to advance to the World Series. Fans in San Diego can join watch parties for Games 2 and 3 at Petco Park, while Game 1 will be held in Chicago without a local watch party.