Padres enter Wild Card series against Cubs with momentum

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA) — The San Diego Padres are heading into the postseason with plenty of momentum and a familiar opponent standing in their way.

San Diego finished the regular season 91-71, earning the National League's top wild-card spot and home-field advantage for a best-of-three Wild Card Series against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park.

The Padres surged down the stretch, going 33-16 after the trade deadline. San Diego bolstered its starting rotation at the deadline by acquiring pitchers Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, adding depth for the postseason run.

The Padres struggled against Chicago during the regular season, going 1-5 in six meetings. However, all six games took place before the trade deadline.

The Cubs still present a significant challenge, led by Pete Crow-Armstrong, who emerged as one of the team's key offensive players during the regular season and is the NL MVP frontrunner.

Chicago finished third in the majors with 220 home runs and sixth in the league in hits, giving the Cubs a potent lineup heading into October.

The Cubs' pitching staff, however, allowed the second-most home runs in the majors during the regular season and finished around the middle of the league in team ERA.

That combination sets up a Wild Card matchup between two teams with plenty of offensive firepower.

For first-year Padres manager Craig Stammen, the focus now shifts toward translating San Diego's regular-season success into the postseason.

“In the end, it comes down to the players,” Stammen said. “The guys play well. We pitch well. We play good defense. I like our chances.”

Stammen acknowledged the challenge Chicago presents, but said the Padres are ready for the opportunity.

“They're a tough team. They've got a great manager and a great organization, so it'll be two great organizations going against each other in a three-game series,” Stammen said. “It should be a lot of fun to watch.”

San Diego will have home-field advantage throughout the series, something Stammen said the team worked hard to earn.

“We wanted the home-field advantage. We were able to get it,” Stammen said. “It's going to be a big advantage for us.”

The Padres drew the second-highest attendance in the majors during the regular season, according to Stammen, who credited San Diego's fans for their support.

“The fans came out all year,” Stammen said. “We're small but mighty, and I think the way the fans support us and show up every single day is pretty amazing.”

Game 1 is scheduled for Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Petco Park, with Game 2 set for Wednesday at the same time. If necessary, Game 3 will be played Thursday, with a start time to be announced.

The winner of the series will advance to the National League Division Series where the Milwaukee Brewers await.