Cubs eliminated after 8-0 and 4-1 losses to Padres in Wild Card Series

Key points

• The Chicago Cubs lost Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series to the San Diego Padres 8-0 on September 29, 2026, at Petco Park.
• The Cubs lost Game 2 on September 30, 2026, by a score of 4-1, ending their postseason run.
• Matthew Boyd was pulled from Game 1 after the fourth inning following a poor performance that included allowing home runs to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado.
• Nico Hoerner broke up a no-hit bid in Game 1 and singled to load the bases in the ninth inning of Game 2, but the Cubs could not score enough runs to win.
• The San Diego Padres advance to the NL Division Series to face the Milwaukee Brewers, the top seed in the National League.

Background

The 2026 NL Wild Card Series was a rematch of the 2025 playoff meeting, where the Cubs won in three games. The Cubs entered as the No. 5 seed in the National League, while the Padres were the No. 4 seed. The series was broadcast exclusively on Peacock and NBC Sports Network, which drew criticism for limiting access for fans without those subscriptions. The winner of the series was set to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series.

How outlets are covering it

The Chicago Tribune emphasized the Cubs' offensive struggles in Game 1, noting they were held to just three hits in the 8-0 loss. Bleed Cubbie Blue focused on the emotional impact of the Game 2 loss, describing the Cubs' performance as 'meek' and highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the 2027 season. Both outlets noted the significance of the series as a rematch of the previous year's playoff meeting, but the Tribune focused more on the immediate game details while Bleed Cubbie Blue emphasized the broader implications for the team's future.

Why it matters

The Cubs' elimination ends their 2026 season and raises questions about their roster and strategy for the upcoming year. The Padres' victory secures their spot in the NL Division Series and continues their streak of three consecutive postseason appearances. The series also highlighted ongoing concerns about the accessibility of MLB broadcasts, as many fans were unable to watch the games due to restrictive distribution deals.

What to watch

The San Diego Padres will face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series. The Chicago Cubs will need to evaluate their roster and make decisions about their 2027 season, potentially involving changes to their pitching and hitting strategies. The MLB may also review its broadcast distribution policies in response to the criticism over the Wild Card Series access issues.