Cubs vs. Padres Highlights, Score: Padres win 3-0, force Game 3

The San Diego Padres blanked the Chicago Cubs 3-0 in Game 2 of the NL wild-card series. Manny Machado hit a crucial two-run homer, and San Diego’s bullpen delivered power pitching to even the series 1-1. A winner-take-all Game 3 is now set for Thursday at Wrigley Field.

Dylan Cease started strong with 3 2/3 scoreless innings and five strikeouts. Mason Miller followed with electric relief work, while Robert Suárez closed out the ninth to secure the shutout. Jackson Merrill’s sacrifice fly in the first inning put San Diego ahead early and set the tone for the night.

Cubs vs. Padres Highlights, Score — key game moments

San Diego struck first in the opening frame. Fernando Tatis Jr. reached and later scored on Jackson Merrill’s deep sacrifice fly, giving the Padres a quick 1-0 lead. That early momentum mattered in an elimination setting.

Manny Machado then broke the game open in the fifth with a towering two-run home run to left field. It silenced the Chicago crowd and gave the Padres’ bullpen breathing room. Mason Miller entered and dominated with high-velocity strikeouts, and Robert Suárez finished a clean save.

The Cubs rotated six pitchers, starting with opener Andrew Kittredge before turning to Shota Imanaga. Chicago’s offense, however, never found its rhythm and finished with only a handful of hits.

With the series now tied, Thursday’s Game 3 becomes a win-or-go-home showdown. San Diego’s early offense and dominant relief pitching proved effective, while Chicago must solve the Padres’ power arms to keep its playoff hopes alive.

Where the rest of the bracket stands

The Cleveland Guardians beat the Detroit Tigers 6-1 to even their AL wild-card series. Brayan Rocchio hit a go-ahead solo homer in the eighth, and Bo Naylor added a three-run blast as Cleveland erupted for five late runs to force Game 3.

Later tonight, the Boston Red Sox will face the New York Yankees at 6:08 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Boston looking to advance. The Cincinnati Reds meet the Los Angeles Dodgers at 9:08 p.m. ET, where the Dodgers can clinch their series.

What this means for Thursday

For the Cubs, the key is solving San Diego’s pitching. They must create early scoring chances and handle the Padres’ late-inning velocity. Their bullpen usage in Game 2 suggests another quick-hook approach in the decider.

For the Padres, the formula is clear: score first, ride elite arms, and let star power like Machado carry the offense. Thursday’s Game 3 could hinge on one big swing or a shutdown performance from the mound.

Final word: Cubs vs. Padres Highlights, Score ended 3-0 for San Diego. The series now shifts to a decisive Game 3 at Wrigley Field, with October survival on the line.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What was the Cubs vs. Padres score in Game 2?

The Padres won 3-0 to tie the best-of-three series at 1-1. Game 3 will decide who advances.

Q2: Who stood out in Cubs vs. Padres Game 2?

Manny Machado hit a two-run homer, Mason Miller dominated in relief, and Dylan Cease pitched nearly four scoreless innings.

Q3: How did the Guardians force Game 3 vs. Tigers?

Brayan Rocchio’s solo homer and Bo Naylor’s three-run blast fueled a five-run eighth inning to secure a 6-1 Cleveland win.

Q4: What time is Red Sox vs. Yankees Game 2?

The game starts at 6:08 p.m. ET on ESPN. Boston leads 1-0 and can clinch the series.

Q5: When do the Reds play the Dodgers?

Game 2 begins at 9:08 p.m. ET on ESPN. The Dodgers lead the series 1-0.