Paders clinch NLWC title with 4-1 win over Cubs

Sheets powers Padres to series win

Gavin Sheets was the decisive force for the San Diego Padres, driving in two runs with a home run to right field that helped secure a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The win completed a 2-0 series sweep in the National League Wild Card, clinching the round for San Diego and eliminating Chicago from the postseason.

The game took place at Petco Park in San Diego, California, on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, in front of a crowd of 47,513 fans.

Scoring sequence unfolds

The Padres took an early lead in the bottom of the second inning. Xander Bogaerts singled to right field, allowing Manuel France to score and placing Merrill in third base. Shortly after, David Salas hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring Merrill and extending the visitors' advantage to 2-0.

Chicago responded in the top of the fourth inning when Nico Hoerner singled to center field, scoring Suzuki and moving Happ to second base. This reduced the deficit to 2-1. However, the Padres answered immediately in the bottom of the fourth.

Sheets homered to right field, a blast that traveled 394 feet, which scored Bogaerts and made the final margin 4-1.

Pitching performances

San Diego pitcher Nick Pivetta started the game, logging 3.1 innings of work. He allowed three hits and one earned run while striking out four batters and walking two. Bradgley Rodriguez earned the win, pitching 1.2 scoreless innings with two strikeouts and one walk.

The Padres bullpen secured the final outs, with Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, and Mason Miller all recording saves or holds without allowing earned runs. Mason Miller finished the game with one inning of scoreless pitching and two strikeouts.

Series conclusion and records

The Chicago Cubs were held to just one run in the series-clinching game. Kevin Gausman took the loss for Chicago, pitching 3.1 innings while allowing five hits and three earned runs. He struck out one batter and did not issue walks.

Daniel Palencia, David Peterson, and Ryan Zeferjahn made subsequent appearances for the Cubs, with Palencia allowing one earned run over 1.2 innings. Following the result, the San Diego Padres improved their record to 91-71, while the Chicago Cubs fell to 89-73. The Padres advanced from the National League Wild Card, ending the Cubs' season.

Sources

ESPN