World Baseball Network previews Padres–Cubs through an international lens, where San Diego’s identity is clear: Dominican star Fernando Tatis Jr. sets the tempo, Venezuela’s Luis Arraez turns contact into pressure, Netherlands’ Xander Bogaerts brings tournament poise, and Manny Machado’s big-stage at-bats anchor the middle.
Yu Darvish’s Samurai pedigree looms over a possible Game 3, while late innings tilt toward the Venezuelan–Dominican bullpen of Robert Suarez and Wandy Peralta, with Adrián Morejón and Randy Vásquez ready to bend the matchups. Three catchers give Mike Shildt the freedom to chase a run without sacrificing the ninth.
Chicago counters with Seiya Suzuki — fresh off a Game 1 jolt — and the calm precision of Shōta Imanaga waiting behind opener Andrew Kittredge. Javier Assad’s Mexico-honed versatility, veteran Carlos Santana’s zone feel, and world-tournament threads across the dugout give Craig Counsell multiple roads to six clean outs at a time.
This is what we cover at World Baseball Network: a series defined by players sharpened beyond U.S. borders — from winter ball in the Caribbean to NPB and the World Baseball Classic — where those habits surface when a best-of-three compresses every mistake and rewards every decision. Tonight, the question is simple. Which global core stacks total bases first and extends October by one more day in Chicago?
If San Diego pushes this to a third day, Yu Darvish’s Samurai pedigree looms over Game 3. For tonight, it’s all-in: every leverage button is live, and if Peralta and the rest of the international relief mix can buy an out, they will.
First pitch: 3:08 p.m. CDT at Wrigley Field.
Xander Bogaerts doubled home San Diego’s only run. Seiya Suzuki answered with a no-doubt shot, Carson Kelly followed, and Nico Hoerner’s late sac fly closed a 3–1 Cubs win. The series now turns on which global core stacks total bases first.
Dylan Cease takes the ball for San Diego after declining the 2023 Classic and entering the 2026 conversation. Chicago opens with Andrew Kittredge, then turns to Shōta Imanaga — the Samurai Japan left-hander whose tournament résumé fits October leverage.
Elias Díaz is out with an oblique issue. The Padres carried three catchers — Freddy Fermin, Luis Campusano, Martín Maldonado — to preserve late pinch-hit options while keeping ninth-inning defense intact.
San Diego’s edge is its international spine. Tatis brings one-swing thunder and green-light instincts. Arraez applies line-to-line pressure. Bogaerts supplies big-moment calm. Machado wins leverage counts.
Chicago’s counter is Suzuki’s timed fastball damage and Imanaga’s ability to mute right-handed lift once the opener hands him the ball.
Baseball Without Borders: October belongs to those tested beyond borders.
Mike Shildt’s staff is U.S.-heavy but anchored by Venezuelan bullpen catcher José Andrade in daily prep.
Craig Counsell’s dugout blends voices with Dominican and Venezuelan threads (Juan Cabreja, Jose Javier, Erick Castillo).
In a three-game sprint, one conversation in the cage or on the iPad can flip an inning — those ideas often come from years overseas.
Padres Safe Play (+192)
Padres +1.5, Over 5.5 runs, Xander Bogaerts 1+ hit.
Conservative and clean. Bogaerts’ contact gives you a steady player leg while the cushion protects a one-run game.
Unity Ticket (+1921)
Padres +2.5, Over 3.5 runs, Fernando Tatis Jr. 2+ total bases, Seiya Suzuki 2+ total bases, Pete Crow-Armstrong 2+ total bases.
Divisive times, unified ticket — both sides can eat in a 3–1 or 4–2 script with stars stacking doubles.
San Diego Statement Fun Ride Ticket (+26,664)
Padres −3.5, Over 9.5, Manny Machado HR, Luis Arraez 2+ TB, Tatis 1+ SB, Bogaerts 2+ TB, Freddy Fermin 2+ TB.
All-gas, life-changing dart. If Cease shoves and the international lineup breaks the game, this ladder roars.
Bet responsibly. Lock positions before first pitch and enjoy a kickass ballgame.
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) celebrates with first baseman Luis Arraez (4) after the Padres defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 7-4 in a baseball game Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
One swing or one swipe flips an inning.
San Diego Padres first baseman Luis Arraez, right, holds the Heart & Hustle Award for the San Diego Padres as he stands alongside manager Mike Shildt after winning the award before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Monday, Sept. 22, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Tournament contact that turns singles into stress.
San Diego Padres’ Xander Bogaerts is congratulated in the dugout after scoring on sacrifice fly by Jake Cronenworth during the first inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Already on the board this series; big-moment calm.
San Diego Padres’ Manny Machado smiles during a pitching change in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday, July 24, 2025, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Zone control into damage in leverage counts.
San Diego Padres’ Jose Iglesias celebrates after hitting an RBI double during the second inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Friday, July 11, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Bat-to-ball and late-inning glove to close games clean.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish warms up before a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
If there’s a Game 3, his Samurai pedigree becomes the spine.
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Robert Suarez works against a Colorado Rockies batter during the ninth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Ninth-inning nerve that travels.
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Wandy Peralta throws against the Seattle Mariners during a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Ground balls and chase in the game’s biggest pocket.
San Diego Padres relief pitcher Adrian Morejon, center, celebrates with teammates in the dugout during the sixth inning of an baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Left-on-left lane-changer to steal an out.
San Diego Padres’ Randy Vasquez looks on during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Bulk insurance if Cease exits early.
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta works against a San Francisco Giants batter during the fifth inning of a baseball game Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Orlando Ramirez)
Power look that changes eye level late.
San Diego Padres catcher Freddy Fermin walks out to the mound before the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)
Gap carry vs. velocity; quiet strength in the box.
San Diego Padres’ Martín Maldonado reacts after earning a walk at bat in the third inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, June 21, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Game-calling and late defense in a three-catcher build.
The Padres own the deeper global spine; the Cubs counter with Samurai precision and contact. Odds lean tight, but the edge that matters is which international star makes the right move at the right time. As we say every October — 162 games show you who teams are; tournament baseball shows who’s been tested beyond borders.
