Cubs Set for Home Opener Against Padres Amid Promising Streak

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — As the Chicago Cubs prepare to host the San Diego Padres for their home opener, they arrive with momentum from a successful series against the Oakland Athletics. The Cubs aim to continue their winning ways after outscoring the Athletics 35-9 over three games.

The Cubs’ latest series showcased impressive power at the plate, with Seiya Suzuki notably hitting two home runs and driving in nine runs during the recent matchups. After a slow start in Japan and Arizona, Suzuki’s resurgence is a welcome boost as the team heads back to Wrigley Field, looking to build on their current win streak.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of the home fans and I’ll be ready,” Suzuki said through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. “It’s still early in the season but the goal is to keep this going for a while.”

As the Cubs take the field Friday at 2:35 p.m. CT, manager David Ross has made some adjustments to the lineup. Despite previous contributions, veteran first baseman Justin Turner is out of the starting lineup against the Padres after a brief slump, while Kyle Tucker and Ian Happ will play pivotal roles in the outfield.

Justin Turner expressed enthusiasm for his new surroundings, saying, “I get to see what my home looks like. I haven’t seen it.”

On the mound for the Cubs is pitcher James Taillon, who looks to improve from his first outing where he allowed six runs in 4.1 innings against the Diamondbacks. Taillon’s performance will be critical to maintaining the Cubs’ momentum and securing a series win against the Padres.

Opposing the Cubs is left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs, who had an impressive first start of the season, striking out nine batters over six scoreless innings against the Mariners. Springs, however, comes into the matchup with a limited number of innings pitched in recent seasons due to injuries, making him an unknown quantity for the Cubs.

“Seiya does have probably pound for pound some of the most juice in the league,” fellow teammate Pete Crow-Armstrong said of Suzuki. “He made these last three games look pretty easy.”

With the return home, the Cubs hope to capitalize on their recent success and continue building chemistry in a season that has already shown promise. The series against the Padres marks a key juncture as they move toward a challenging season ahead.