Chicago Cubs Defeat Padres 3-1, Advance to NLDS Against Brewers

The Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1 in Game 3 of the NL Wild Card Series to advance to the National League Division Series (NLDS) against the Milwaukee Brewers. Pete Crow-Armstrong contributed an RBI single off Yu Darvish, while Michael Busch hit a crucial solo home run, and Jameson Taillon pitched four shutout innings, supported by strong defense and a raucous home crowd at Wrigley Field. Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson praised the team's resilience and grit throughout the series. The Cubs will face the NL Central champion Brewers, led by former Cubs manager Craig Counsell, in a highly anticipated NLDS starting Saturday. Meanwhile, the Padres, despite making the postseason multiple times recently, fell short again with star Fernando Tatis Jr. struggling in the series finale. Additionally, the New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox in the AL Wild Card Series, propelled by rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler's 12 strikeouts and a pivotal four-run inning, setting up a Division Series matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays.