The game, which started at 5:08 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field, was marked by clutch pitching and dramatic late-inning moments. Brad Keller, who replaced Drew Pomeranz on the mound, was tasked with closing out the game for Chicago. Despite allowing a solo home run to Jackson Merrill that just cleared the right field wall, Keller settled in and recorded crucial outs—including a controversial strikeout of Xander Bogaerts on a pitch below the zone, which swung momentum decisively toward the Cubs.
Chicago’s pitching staff, including opener Andrew Kittredge in Game 2, effectively contained the Padres’ powerful lineup featuring stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado. The Cubs’ defense came through at key moments, highlighted by a perfectly executed tag at the plate by Fermin to deny Hoerner a run in the seventh inning.
From a betting perspective, the Yankees-Red Sox Game 3 drew significant attention, with the Yankees closing as -160 home favorites and the public heavily backing the over on a 7.5-run total. Yet, the real drama unfolded in Chicago, where the Cubs’ victory sets up a tantalizing divisional clash with the Brewers. According to The Athletic’s live coverage, the playoff atmosphere at Wrigley Field was electric—a reminder that postseason baseball in Chicago remains one of the sport’s great spectacles.
The Cubs’ decision to use relievers like Kittredge as openers in this series paid off, keeping Padres sluggers off balance and maximizing bullpen matchups. With their postseason hopes alive, Chicago fans can look ahead to another intense rivalry series, while the Padres, despite holding on to top prospect Jackson Merrill, will have to wait another year for playoff redemption.
For fans seeking more details, game stats, and future playoff scheduling, visit the official Chicago Cubs ESPN page or MLB.com News.