Padres Open Game 2 With 21-of-24 Wild Card Edge as Cubs Turn to Gausman
Updated
Updated · MLB.com · Oct 1
Padres Open Game 2 With 21-of-24 Wild Card Edge as Cubs Turn to Gausman
3 articles · Updated · MLB.com · Oct 1
Summary
Game 2 is underway in San Diego with Chicago facing elimination after dropping the opener in the best-of-three NL Wild Card Series.
A 21-of-24 trend favors San Diego: teams that win Game 1 in this format have gone on to take the series, leaving the Cubs needing a bounceback to force Game 3.
Kevin Gausman gets the must-win start for Chicago despite a left non-throwing shoulder issue, while San Diego counters with Nick Pivetta, who returned from a long elbow layoff and posted a 1.45 ERA in four September starts.
Ethan Salas makes his postseason debut for the Padres and becomes the youngest catcher to start a playoff game at 20 years, 121 days.
Bullpen depth could shape the night: the Cubs have nearly all arms available for an all-hands effort, while the Padres preserved most of their relievers in Game 1.