Cubs, Padres Set for Decisive Game 3

The Cubs and Padres split the first two games of the National League Wild Card series, with Chicago winning Game 1, 3-1, behind Matthew Boyd and a 4.2-inning perfect bullpen performance. San Diego evened the series in Game 2, 3-0, as Dylan Cease held the Cubs scoreless and Manny Machado hit a two-run homer. The winner-take-all Game 3 will feature the Cubs' Jameson Taillon (11-7, 3.68 ERA) against the Padres' veteran Yu Darvish (5.38 ERA in 15 starts). Bullpen usage and matchup decisions remain central to the series' outcome.