The Chicago Cubs have taken a crucial 1-0 lead in their National League Wild Card Series against the San Diego Padres, thanks to a pivotal fifth-inning home run from Seiya Suzuki that ignited a 3-1 victory. The win, played out before a raucous crowd at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, marks a significant moment for the Cubs and sets a strong tone in their quest for postseason success.
A Game-Changing Blast in the Fifth
The contest remained a tense, low-scoring affair until the bottom of the fifth inning. With the score tied at 1-1, Seiya Suzuki stepped up to the plate against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta. Suzuki launched a 424-foot drive to left-center field, his solo shot breaking the deadlock and sending a jolt of energy through the ballpark. This marked Suzuki’s sixth home run in his last five games, a remarkable power surge carrying over from the regular season. He wasn’t done there; immediately following Suzuki, catcher Carson Kelly, a Chicago native, hit a towering home run of his own, extending the Cubs’ lead to 2-1. This consecutive home run sequence was the first for the Cubs in the postseason since 2016.
Bullpen Shuts the Door
Beyond the timely hitting, the Chicago Cubs’ bullpen delivered a near-perfect performance to secure the Game 1 victory. After starter Matthew Boyd pitched effectively through the first five innings, surrendering an early Padres run but escaping further damage, the relief corps took over. Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Andrew Kittredge, and closer Brad Keller combined to throw 4 2/3 hitless innings, shutting down the San Diego offense. Their flawless relief effort stifled any comeback attempts and preserved the crucial win. This stellar bullpen work was a key factor in the low-scoring game, demonstrating the depth and reliability of Chicago’s relief corps in this high-stakes environment.
Suzuki’s Hot Streak and Playoff Mentality
Seiya Suzuki’s offensive explosion has been a major storyline for the Cubs leading into and throughout this series. His home run in Game 1 was not just timely but also historical, as he became one of only a few players to homer in the opening game of a playoff series after hitting home runs in each of his team’s final four regular-season games. Suzuki expressed immense satisfaction with the win, noting the electric atmosphere and the support of his teammates and fans. “This year with this team, these teammates, we’ve battled for 162 games,” Suzuki stated through a translator. “It felt great. I’m just kind of looking forward to keep on playing, keep on grinding it out with my teammates.” His consistent power has been a significant advantage, with his regular-season performance culminating in a career-high 32 home runs and 103 RBIs.
Padres’ Early Spark Fizzles
The San Diego Padres managed to draw first blood in the second inning. Jackson Merrill and Xander Bogaerts delivered back-to-back doubles, with Bogaerts advancing to third on an outfield error. However, the Cubs’ defense and pitching managed to strand Bogaerts, preventing further damage. While the Padres showed flashes of offensive capability early on, they were ultimately unable to solve the Cubs’ pitching, particularly the dominant relief efforts, limiting them to just one run on the afternoon. Padres manager Mike Shildt acknowledged the impact of key defensive plays by the Cubs, including a running catch by shortstop Dansby Swanson, which he called potentially “the play of the game.”
Setting the Stage for Game 2
This victory places the Chicago Cubs in an advantageous position, as 90% of teams that win Game 1 of a best-of-three Wild Card Series have historically advanced to the Division Series. For the Cubs, who last made the playoffs in 2020 and were swept, this playoff win is a welcome return to success. It’s a significant boost in the ongoing sports news cycle and a reminder of the electric atmosphere playoff baseball brings to Chicago. The series now shifts focus to Game 2, where the Cubs aim to clinch their berth in the next round. This momentum-building win is a trending topic in baseball, showcasing the Cubs’ readiness for the postseason challenge. The sports world is watching to see if this performance is indicative of a deep playoff run for the North Siders.
