Cubs Face Elimination in Game 3 of Wild Card Series Against Padres

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs face elimination today in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres. After a disappointing loss in Game 2, the Cubs know they must win to keep their postseason hopes alive.

In Game 2, the Cubs fell 3-0 despite a strong showing from their fans at Wrigley Field, where 41,083 fans cheered for star center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, who hoped to deliver a decisive moment in the game. However, Crow-Armstrong struggled along with others, going 0-for-6 with five strikeouts in the series so far.

“The confidence is in the same exact place it’s been all year,” Crow-Armstrong said before the game. He emphasized his love for playing center field and his focus on contributing to the team’s success rather than his individual statistics.

The Cubs’ offensive issues are not unique to Crow-Armstrong; Ian Happ and Kyle Tucker have also faced difficulties in the postseason. Cubs manager Craig Counsell acknowledged that opposing pitchers have effectively exploited Crow-Armstrong’s weaknesses.

“They’ve made a lot of good pitches on Pete,” Counsell said. “Clearly, today they made a lot of good pitches on everybody.”

As the tension builds, the Cubs hope to find their rhythm against Padres pitcher Yu Darvish, who has had a mixed season. Darvish was acquired by the Padres after a trade with the Cubs and comes into today’s game with a 2.10 ERA over his last four starts.

Crow-Armstrong, looking forward to the crowd’s support again, said, “We’re all trusting in each other, and in the process. We’ll come back tomorrow and take it to ’em.”

The stakes are high: with today’s game at 4:08 p.m. CT, the Cubs must rally to avoid an early playoff exit and continue their quest for the National League Division Series.