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San Diego Padres vs. Chicago Cubs wild card: Schedule, pitching matchups for Game 1

The postseason opens on Tuesday, September 29, with a rematch of last year's National League wild card series between the San Diego Padres and the Chicago Cubs. Last autumn, Chicago eliminated San Diego in a tight 2-1 set hosted at Wrigley Field, but home field advantage now belongs to the Padres at Petco Park for this year's best-of-three matchup.

The victorious franchise will advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in a best-of-five Division Series. Padres manager Craig Stammen acknowledged the challenge posed by their opponents, who knocked them out of contention last season, emphasizing the need for his squad to bring their best performance.

Opening game duties on the mound feature Chicago left-hander Matthew Boyd holding a 10-5 record with a 3.91 ERA, opposing San Diego right-hander Michael King who enters with a 12-10 mark and a 3.21 ERA. All games in the series are scheduled for 10 p.m.

Eastern Time, with broadcast coverage provided through NBCSN and Peacock. The schedule runs consecutively through Thursday, October 1, depending on whether a decisive third game becomes necessary.

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