The Padres got off to a strong start in Game 1 of the NL Wild Card Series against the Cubs, but ultimately lost 3-1. Nick Pivetta cruised through the first 4 innings without allowing a run, while the offense put stress on the Cubs. Jackson Merill hit a leadoff double in the 2nd inning, and then Xander Bogaerts followed that up with a double of his own, and advanced to third base on a bad throw, putting the Padres on top 1-0 with a runner on third base and no outs. But left-hander Matthew Boyd was able to retire the next three batters in order, all left-handed hitters, to escape with only one run allowed. Manny Machado drew a leadoff walk in the 4th inning, followed by Jackson Merrill laying down a sac-bunt to move Machado to second base. Xander Bogaerts then hit an infield single, putting runners at the corners with just one out, but Ryan O'Hearn popped out to Dansby Swanson in shallow left field and Gavin Sheets flew out to leave both runners stranded. Mike Shildt said after the game that Merrill decided on his own to lay down the bunt based on the flow of the game.
After striking out six hitters through four scoreless innings, Nick Pivetta allowed back-to-back solo home runs to Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly to begin the 5th inning. Pivetta bounced back to strike out the side following those two home runs. After two scoreless frames, Jeremiah Estrada entered to pitch in the 8th inning with the Cubs ahead 2-1. He allowed a leadoff single to Swanson, who then moved to second base on a sac-bunt from Matt Shaw. After an intentional walk to Michael Busch, both runners advanced on a wild pitch from Estrada. That set up an opportunity for Nico Hoerner to make a productive out, and his sac-fly brought in Swanson to give the Cubs an insurance run. The Padres were retired in order in the 9th inning, dropping Game 1 3-1. Dylan Cease will start Game 2 on Wednesday with the Padres' season hanging in the balance.
You can watch the Jamul Casino Resort Padres Postgame Show below, with full highlights from the game and Mike Shildt's postgame press conference.