San Diego’s season ended in a tense, controversial finish as a late strike call by D.J. Reyburn helped Chicago pull away in Game 3. The Padres’ offense stalled across the series, totaling just five runs and going 3-for-26 with runners in scoring position, leaving 19 on base as frustration spilled from the dugout.

ABS arrives next year, a potential game‑changer for postseason calls, but San Diego’s immediate takeaway is accountability for the umpiring and a call that altered the moment. Bogaerts, Tatis Jr., and Machado scuffled, underscoring the need for more run production to complement the pitching depth that carried the Cubs.

San Diego pitchers locked in at Wrigley, silencing Chicago to even the NL Wild Card Series at 1-1. Cease worked 3 2/3 innings, Morejon bridged, and Miller slammed the door in the late frames. Manny Machado’s two-run homer and Fernando Tatis Jr.’s first-inning run via a double steal jump-started the offense, while Luis Arraez supplied speed on the bases.

Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth finished the game with a decisive double play to seal it, setting up a do-or-die Game 3 at Wrigley. For fantasy, Machado’s power, Arraez’s baserunning, and the Padres' bullpen depth are the clear talking points as managers map lineup and streaming options.

Seiya Suzuki’s 424-foot tying homer off Nick Pivetta jolted the Cubs, followed by Carson Kelly’s go-ahead blast as Chicago grabbed control in a 3-1 win in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card. Matthew Boyd steadied the Cubs after an early Padres threat, and Nico Hoerner added insurance in the eighth before Brad Keller closed it out. San Diego couldn’t capitalize on early chances, leaving Chicago with momentum heading into the series.

The late surge capped Suzuki’s four-game homer arc to finish the regular season and carried into postseason power, while Swanson’s defense and Hoerner’s timely hit underscored Chicago’s depth. For fantasy, the Cubs’ offense looks primed to ride its balance, while San Diego must regroup quickly to avoid a quick exit in a pivotal rematch.