The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres will clash in Game 2 of the NL Wild Card at 10 p.m. ET on Wednesday at Petco Park in San Diego on Peacock. San Diego secured an 8-0 win in Game 1.
Here’s my Cubs vs. Padres prediction based on the latest MLB odds:
Cubs vs. Padres Prediction for Game 2 NL Wild Card
- Cubs to score first run (-125)
I like the Cubs’ chances of getting off to a faster start in Game 2, so I’m interested in their odds of scoring the first run and their F5 spread (+0.5) on Wednesday.
The Cubs’ offense was shut out in Game 1, thanks to an impressive performance from starter Michael King. He took a no-hit bid into the seventh before allowing his lone hit of the night. King whiffed eight batters across seven innings.
San Diego didn’t even have to dip into its brilliant bullpen, which puts Chicago at a major disadvantage with its season on the line. The Cubs need to take an early lead.
Backing a bounce-back performance from Chicago’s lineup is an easy decision. The Cubs haven’t been shut out in back-to-back games since May. They were the league’s best offense all year, leading in wRC+ (114), total runs (850), and wOBA (.337).
Chicago must pounce on San Diego starter Nick Pivetta, who missed most of the 2026 campaign with a right elbow injury. The right-hander throws his four-seam fastball over 52% of the time, ranking in the 43rd percentile in average fastball velocity per Baseball Savant.
The Padres won’t be afraid to turn to their bullpen early, so I’m counting on the Cubs to strike first.
Prediction: Cubs to score first run (-125)
Cubs vs. Padres Odds: NL Wild Card, Game 2
- Cubs moneyline: +120
- Padres moneyline: -140
- Total: 7.5
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