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San Diego (0-1) at Chi. Cubs (1-0)
- When: Oct 1 2025, 3:08 PM
- Where: Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Where to watch: ABC
San Diego vs Chi. Cubs MLB Playoff Preview & Pick
Moneyline: Chi. Cubs -116
Spread: Chi. Cubs -1.5 (+180)
Total: 6.5
Chicago Cubs: Revenge Tour, Volume II
The Cubs haven’t sniffed postseason glory since Kris Bryant still had MVP hair. But now? They’re clawing back into October relevance like a raccoon breaking into a trash can, loud, desperate, and weirdly athletic.
Tuesday’s Game 1 was a classic Wrigley playoff grinder: no roof, all heart. Nico Hoerner slapped hits like a man who wanted a raise, and Seiya Suzuki’s fifth-inning bomb may have triggered a minor earthquake on the North Side. The bullpen? Flawless. It’s like they suddenly remembered how to pitch after Labor Day.
Manager Craig Counsell was basically doing TED Talks in the postgame interview about bullpen chemistry. “They help each other,” he said, possibly about relievers, possibly about emotionally available boy bands. Either way, Chicago looked legit.
Wednesday, they roll with Andrew Kittredge as the opener. He’s basically a stealth bomber in bullpen form. He’ll pave the way for Shota Imanaga, whose first innings this season have been… let’s say “chaotic.” But he’s been nails against the Padres, 1.40 ERA career vs. San Diego? Someone light the sushi-scented victory candle.
San Diego Padres: Panic Mode or Just Chillin’?
The Padres were supposed to be this year’s postseason dark horse. Right now, they’re just a regular horse who tripped over a rake.
Dylan Cease takes the hill in Game 2. Big arm. Bigger expectations. He’s handled the Cubs before, 2.47 ERA in 8 career starts. He better do it again, or it’s Cancun in October for the Friars.
The offense was flatter than an expired IPA in Game 1. Jackson Merrill’s early trot home was the high point, which is like calling soggy nachos the best part of a meal. Xander Bogaerts did knock in a run, but overall, the Padres couldn’t hit a barn with a beach ball.
Betting Outlook & Final Score Prediction
The total is set at a tight 6.5, and both teams are throwing out arms capable of dealing early. But with the Cubs’ bullpen hotter than a deep-dish oven and Wrigley rocking, the edge goes to the North Siders.
Brace yourselves for beer showers and trumpet memes, Wrigley faithful, October magic might be back.
Score Prediction: Cubs 4, Padres 2
Pick: Chi. Cubs (-116)
Total: Under 6.5 (+100)
- MLB Playoff Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
