Photos from Game 3 of the National League wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres on Oct. 2, 2025, at Wrigley Field.

  • ‘This is why I’m here’: Cubs’ Jameson Taillon ready for decisive Game 3 start at Wrigley Field
  • Padres turn to aging Yu Darvish, whose focus is clear for Game 3 start: ‘He’s a big-game player’
  • Column: Puzzling decision by manager Craig Counsell backfires, sending the Cubs to a do-or-die Game 3
  • Column: Flashback to 1984 as Cubs and Padres meet again in the postseason

    Mike Lyp and his daughter Shelly Lyp take in the scene before Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Mike Lyp and his daughter Shelly Lyp take in the scene before Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
    Fans wait to enter for the bleacher seats before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Fans wait to enter for the bleacher seats before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
    Chicago Cubs radio broadcaster Pat Hughes waves to the crowd before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs radio broadcaster Pat Hughes waves to the crowd before throwing out a ceremonial first pitch before Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
    Cubs fans take in batting practice before Game 3 of wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Cubs fans take in batting practice before Game 3 of wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
    A fan with a "W" flag walks outside of Wrigley Field before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)A fan with a “W” flag walks outside of Wrigley Field before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series against the San Diego Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
    Cubs chant at Murphy's Bleachers car before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)Cubs chant at Murphy’s Bleachers car before Game 3 of the National League wild-card series at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
    Cubs fans enter Wrigley Field for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Cubs fans enter Wrigley Field for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
    Fans try to catch a ball in the left field bleachers during batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Fans try to catch a ball in the left field bleachers during batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series between the Cubs and the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
    Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros takes batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Cubs designated hitter Moisés Ballesteros takes batting practice ahead of Game 3 of the wild-card series against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

    Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ, right, and manager Craig Counsell hang out behind the cage during batting practice for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ, right, and manager Craig Counsell hang out behind the cage during batting practice for Game 3 of the wild-card series against the Padres at Wrigley Field on Oct. 2, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)