Pivetta pitched five innings with nine strikeouts, exiting after the Cubs tied the game at 1-1. He overcame a rough stretch but couldn’t hold Chicago’s offense, surrendering the tying homer to Suzuki before the Cubs bullpen shut down San Diego for the remainder of the game.

Pivetta worked four innings with one hit allowed before Suzuki's homer changed the flow, showing the Padres' ace can be beaten by timely contact in tough conditions.

Pivetta’s career year in San Diego, sub-3.00 ERA and high strikeout rate, positions him as a must-have arm for Padres’ playoff run and a quality postseason starter.

Pivetta anchors Game 1 for San Diego after a breakout season, blending velocity and control to set the tone in a tight 2-3 series.

Pivetta anchors the Padres in Game 1 with a 13-5 record and 2.87 ERA. His late-season form has been uneven, but SD has won his last two starts. He shapes the pace and is a critical DFS and betting consideration in this opener.