Cubs’ Palencia Shines in Playoff Victory Over Padres

CHICAGO — In a thrilling playoff opener, Daniel Palencia highlighted his resilience as he helped the Chicago Cubs secure a 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series on September 30, 2025.

Just three weeks earlier, Palencia struggled with a shoulder injury that almost sidelined him for the remainder of the season. However, after only 16 days, he returned to the mound, showcasing his determination to contribute even without his former closing role, which was taken over by veterans Brad Keller and Andrew Kittredge.

When the crucial moment arrived in the fifth inning, with the Cubs trailing 1-0 and a runner on first base, manager Craig Counsell called on Palencia to replace starter Matthew Boyd. Palencia promptly silenced leadoff batters Fernando Tatis Jr. and Luis Arraez, signaling he was ready for the challenge.

“He was closing,” Counsell said of Palencia’s performance. “The way that outing happened and what the result was is like closing.”

Palencia continued his strong outing into the sixth inning, where he faced prominent hitters Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill, and Xander Bogaerts. Demonstrating his prowess, he struck out Machado with a slider and retired the other two with blazing fastballs, including one reaching 101.2 mph.

<p“This is the moment I want to be there. We’re ready,” Palencia said after the game. “I’m the guy for that situation.”

Palencia’s performance energized the Cubs’ bullpen, which retired nine consecutive batters following his strong six-out showing. Keller affirmed, “That was honestly the turning point in the game… You could tell with every pitch he was gaining more and more confidence.”

Despite an underwhelming 2024 season, Palencia committed to improvements in his offseason training and mindset, leading to his success this year. “I maybe pitched in front of 500 people in college,” he recalled, now thriving in the spotlight of postseason baseball.

Palencia’s enthusiastic demeanor was apparent as he celebrated after striking out Bogaerts. “Just adrenaline,” he said, expressing gratitude toward the supportive crowd at Wrigley Field.

As the Cubs advance in the playoffs, their hopes of returning to the World Series grow stronger, with Palencia being a key asset in their bullpen. With this victory, the Cubs look to continue building momentum for the first time since 2017.