The Chicago Cubs experienced a challenging postseason as their offensive struggles led to a defeat in their National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres. The team recorded only eight hits, with all but one being singles, as they were swept and their season came to a close. This series echoed last year’s matchup at Wrigley Field, where the Cubs had previously emerged victorious against the Padres.
Game 1: Padres 8, Cubs 0
Cubs catcher Carson Kelly watched as Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. scored from first, showcasing the Cubs’ defensive setbacks in Game 1 on September 29, 2026, in San Diego. The Cubs faced a tough outing, managing only three hits and suffering an 8-0 loss at Petco Park. Manager Craig Counsell remarked on the difficulty of playing from behind, emphasizing the need to score, which the team couldn’t achieve.
Game 2: Padres 4, Cubs 1
In Game 2, the Cubs were again unable to overcome their offensive issues, losing 4-1 to the Padres. This meant they were swept in the series, ending their season disappointingly despite having one of the league’s best offenses in the regular season. The Cubs’ pitchers, including Kevin Gausman and others, managed to contain the Padres somewhat, but the Cubs still couldn’t muster the required runs.
Celebration and Reflection
Despite the early exit, the Cubs had moments of celebration earlier. Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong, among others, took part in clubhouse celebrations after securing a playoff spot with a win over the Marlins on September 24, 2026. The spirited atmosphere saw players like Michael Conforto and Shota Imanaga rejoicing in the achievement with champagne and beer showers.
As the Cubs look back at their season, they acknowledge the ups and downs, recognizing the need for a deeper postseason performance in the future. Team members like Pete Crow-Armstrong also celebrated personal milestones, such as becoming the first Cub to achieve a 40-40 season, reflecting individual achievements despite the collective disappointment in the postseason finish.