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The San Diego Padres are a win away from avenging last year's Wild Card loss to the Chicago Cubs and will try to close out the series Wednesday at home.
San Diego wasted no time setting the tone in the opener, with first-inning homers from Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado sparking an 8-0 blowout. Michael King took a no-hitter into the seventh and the Cubs finished the game with just three singles to their credit.
Chicago will have to get its lineup jump-started in a hurry Wednesday against veteran right-hander Nick Pivetta, who has looked strong since returning from an elbow injury that sidelined him most of the season. Pivetta had a solid outing but took the loss in Game 1 against the Cubs last year and will look to get San Diego over the top this time.
The Cubs will turn to another pitcher with plenty of experience, Kevin Gausman, to try and contain the Padres' bats. The 35-year-old played a key role in the Blue Jays' run to the World Series last fall and has a 3.83 ERA in 14 postseason appearances dating to 2014.
Will the Cubs survive to play another day or will the Padres book a date against the Brewers? Here's when and where to watch all the action.
Where to watch Padres vs. Cubs
Padres-Cubs Game 2 is set for broadcast on NBCSN and Peacock. Dave Flemming will have the play-by-play call, with analysis from Jim Deshaies, Mark Grant and Clayton Kershaw. All games can also be streamed live on and fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time is Padres vs. Cubs today?
- Date: Wednesday, Sept. 30
- Time: 10 p.m. ET | 9 p.m. CT | 7 p.m. PT
First pitch of Padres vs. Cubs Game 2 is set for 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday. The game will be played at Petco Park in San Diego.
Padres vs. Cubs schedule
Thursday's schedule will be based on how many Game 3s are necessary around MLB.
| Tue., Sept. 29 | Game 1: Padres 8, Cubs 0 | — | — |
| Wed., Sept. 30 | Game 2: Padres vs. Cubs | 10 p.m. | NBCSN, fubo, Peacock |
| Thu., Oct. 1 | Game 3*: Padres vs. Cubs | 8, 9:30 or 10 p.m. | TBD |
* If necessary
MLB postseason schedule 2026
| Tue., Sept. 29 | Wild Card series begin |
| Sat., Oct. 3 | Division Series begin |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | NLCS begins |
| Mon., Oct. 12 | ALCS begins |
| Fri., Oct. 23 | World Series begins |
