Darvish records shortest playoff start as Cubs shut down Padres' offense to advance

The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres met in a decisive Game 3 of the NL Wild Card series. Japanese pitcher Darvish was tasked with starting but encountered multiple issues, lasting just one inning and surrendering two runs before leaving prematurely; in contrast, the Cubs' pitchers combined to contain the Padres' offense, ultimately winning 3-1 and advancing to the next round.

Darvish efficiently retired three batters in the first inning using only eight pitches, showing great command, but the second inning unraveled quickly as he allowed two consecutive hits followed by a hit-by-pitch, loading the bases with no outs. At that moment, Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a crucial hit to give the Cubs an early lead and forced Darvish to leave the game. Padres' first reliever Jeremiah Estrada then issued a walk, allowing the second run to score.

According to statistics, Darvish pitched only one inning in this game, giving up four hits and two runs, marking the shortest outing of his 14 career playoff starts and breaking his previous record of 1.2 innings set during Games 3 and 7 of the 2017 World Series. His overall playoff record now stands at 5 wins and 8 losses with an ERA of 3.96.

Cubs starter Jameson Taillon, despite pitching just four innings after gaining the lead, delivered a solid performance by allowing only two hits without any runs and striking out four batters. The bullpen then maintained control until some turbulence appeared in the ninth inning.

In the ninth inning, Jackson Merrill hit a home run to break the scoreless tie for the Padres, followed by two consecutive hit-by-pitches after one out, putting runners on base. At this critical moment, the Cubs brought in Andrew Kittredge, who rose to the occasion by retiring the next two batters in succession and securing the win.

The Cubs collected 13 hits in this game, but their performance with runners in scoring position was limited to just one hit in seven at-bats, which was Pete Crow-Armstrong’s key RBI single in the second inning. Additionally, Michael Busch’s solo home run in the seventh inning provided an important insurance run.

This marks the Cubs’ first time advancing in a playoff series at home since the 2016 National League Championship Series, the same year they went on to win the World Series title.

The Cubs will face the top-seeded Milwaukee Brewers, who have the best record this season and hold home-field advantage throughout the NL Division Series. Although the Brewers are favored, the Cubs posted a 7-6 record against them during the regular season, setting the stage for an exciting series.