The San Diego Padres host the Chicago Cubs in Game 1 of the National League wild card series on Tuesday at Petco Park, with each team looking to take a huge step towards the next round.
It’s a rematch of last year’s wild card series, won by the Cubs at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Right-hander Michael King will start the opener for the Padres, with southpaw Matthew Boyd taking the mound for the Cubs.
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“Very professional lineup,” King said of the Cubs’ offense. “They were first in runs this year and it shows.”
The Padres are trying to get back to the World Series for the first time since 1998 and are in the postseason for the fourth time in five years, undoubtedly the most successful spell in the franchise’s history.
“It’s a new year, it’s a different year,” Padres third baseman Manny Machado said. “Obviously, that stung last year for us. They played better ball than us last year. This year’s going to be a little bit different. “
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Where to watch Padres vs. Cubs: Channel, streaming
First pitch between the Padres and Cubs is scheduled for 10 p.m. (ET) on Tuesday, Sept. 29.
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MLB wild card series photos
06:24 PM ET, September 29 2026, Jesse Yomtov
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
The Philadelphia Phillies line up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
The Philadelphia Phillies line up before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta. The MLB postseason has arrived as the thrills of playoff baseball in the fall has fans ecstatic to watch every moment unfold.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
A detailed view of Philadelphia Phillies equipment in the dugout before the game against the Atlanta Braves in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta, Ga.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
Ha-Seong Kim of the Atlanta Braves is introduced before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
A general view before the game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Truist Park on Sept. 29, 2026 in Atlanta.
(Edward M. Pio Roda, Getty Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Trea Turner is tagged out by Atlanta Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) throws out Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Derek Hill (49) in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
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MLB playoffs open with thrilling Wild Card Series matchups
Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber breaks his bat in the third inning during game one of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Truist Park.
(Dale Zanine, Imagn Images)
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Padres vs Cubs LIVE updates: Lineups, where to watch, predictions for MLB playoffs
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