The Chicago Cubs' postseason journey was cut short as they were swept by the San Diego Padres in the NL Wild Card series. The Cubs' offense, which led MLB in runs scored during the regular season, struggled mightily, managing only one run across the two games.
In Game 1, the Padres secured an 8-0 victory, holding the Cubs to just three hits. The Cubs managed to score a single run in Game 2, but ultimately fell 4-1, accumulating only five hits in that contest. This offensive drought was particularly notable given the team's consistent scoring throughout the regular season.
Key offensive players for the Cubs experienced significant struggles. Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0-for-7 over the two games, striking out four times. Veteran leader Alex Bregman was also unable to find a hit, going 0-for-8 with four strikeouts. The reliance on these two batters meant their inability to produce was critical in the short series.
Adding to the Cubs' challenges was a depleted pitching staff. The team entered the postseason with numerous pitchers on the injured list, including three starters and seven relievers. This situation underscored the team's long-shot chances for a deep playoff run, despite a notable regular season that included strong performances from players like Crow-Armstrong.