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Cubs Bullpen Shines in Playoff Elimination of Padres
1 Oct
Summary
- Cubs take Game 2 to advance to NLDS
- Padres starter Dylan Cease struggles, Cubs use bullpen
- Andrew Kittredge leads Cubs' bullpen effort in crucial win
On October 2, 2025, the Chicago Cubs defeated the San Diego Padres 3-1 in Game 2 of their MLB playoff series, clinching a spot in the National League Division Series. The Cubs took an early lead with back-to-back home runs from Seiya Suzuki and Carson Kelly in the first inning and never looked back.
Padres starter Dylan Cease, who had a disappointing regular season, continued to struggle in the playoffs. He surrendered seven hits and three runs (two earned) in just 5.2 innings of work. In contrast, the Cubs opted for a bullpen game, with right-hander Andrew Kittredge opening the game. Kittredge, a reliable veteran with a strong postseason track record, pitched a scoreless eighth inning to help secure the win.
The Cubs' decision to go with a bullpen approach rather than relying on a traditional starting pitcher paid off, as their relief corps was able to hold the Padres' offense in check. This victory marks the end of the Padres' season, while the Cubs advance to the next round of the playoffs.
