Imagine a baseball game where the tension is palpable, the crowd is roaring, and the stakes are sky-high. That’s exactly what unfolded on October 2, 2025, when the Chicago Cubs clinched a thrilling 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of their NL Wild Card Series. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was it the Cubs’ stellar defense or the Padres’ star players faltering that truly decided the game? Let’s dive in.
At Wrigley Field, a raucous crowd of 40,895 fans witnessed Pete Crow-Armstrong deliver a clutch RBI single off a visibly shaky Yu Darvish, setting the tone for the Cubs’ triumph. Meanwhile, Chicago’s defense shut down Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres’ offense, propelling the Cubs into the postseason for the first time since 2017. And this is the part most people miss: It wasn’t just about the big hits—it was the strategic use of relievers and a rock-solid defense that sealed the deal.
Michael Busch added fuel to the fire with a solo homer, while Jameson Taillon pitched four shutout innings before manager Craig Counsell turned to his bullpen. Counsell, a former Brewers manager who’s been booed lustily in Milwaukee since joining the Cubs in 2023, deployed five relievers to close out the game. Even when Brad Keller stumbled in the ninth, allowing a leadoff homer to Jackson Merrill and hitting two batters, Andrew Kittredge stepped in to earn the save, retiring Jake Cronenworth and Freddy Fermin in dramatic fashion.
Now, the Cubs advance to face the NL Central champion Milwaukee Brewers in a Division Series that promises fireworks. Here’s the bold question: Can Counsell’s Cubs overcome the Brewers, or will his past in Milwaukee come back to haunt him? Let’s not forget the Padres, who, despite forcing a decisive Game 3 with a 3-0 win the day before, saw their stars struggle in the finale. For San Diego, it’s a bittersweet end to their fourth postseason appearance in six years.
This game wasn’t just about wins and losses—it was about resilience, strategy, and the unpredictable nature of playoff baseball. What do you think? Did the Cubs earn their victory, or did the Padres simply fall short? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions!
