Padres hope to ride energy from loud home crowd when they host Cubs in NL Wild Card Series
In 1984, the San Diego Padres utilized their home crowd's energy to overcome a 2-0 deficit against the Chicago Cubs in the National League Championship Series, ultimately reaching their first World Series. Fast forward to 2023, Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and the Padres aim to replicate that experience when they host the NL MVP contender Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman, and the Cubs in a Wild Card Series beginning Tuesday night at Petco Park.
The Padres, who had 66 sellouts and an attendance of 3,347,081 this season—the second most in the majors behind the Los Angeles Dodgers—hope for a similar advantage in this best-of-three series. Manager Craig Stammen remarked on the positive atmosphere, stating that the yellow towels waving and the fans' support significantly boost the team's morale.
The Cubs, who dominated the two-game series against San Diego this season with a 5-1 score, including a 23-3 loss at Wrigley Field on July 1, have made it clear that they are focused on improving their performance in the postseason. With a strong home crowd backing them, the Padres are optimistic about their chances in this crucial matchup.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
