Padres’ Playoff Run Ends with Cubs Victory

On Thursday, October 2nd, the San Diego Padres’ playoff run came to an abrupt end with a 1-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs, knocking them out of the postseason in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series at Wrigley Field.

After a quiet first eight innings, Padres fans began to have hope during the ninth-inning. Jackson Merrill's leadoff homer off Brad Keller ignited hope, but Keller's struggles continued as he hit two batters, putting the tying run on base. Pitcher Andrew Kittredge entered and maintained the Cub’s lead by retiring Jake Cronenworth and Freddy Fermin, ending the game and the series for the Padres.

Manager Mike Shildt expressed pride in his team's effort: "There's a lot of hurt guys in that clubhouse, but we left it all out on the field, and there's no regrets on anybody's part. Just disappointed."

Despite the early exit, the Padres' fourth playoff appearance in six years proves their consistency. Regardless, San Diego will be ready to rally behind its team again next October.