Cubs vs. Padres live updates, news, starting pitchers for Game 1: Matthew Boyd, Michael King take the mound to open up wild card

In a highly anticipated matchup between the No. 5 seed Chicago Cubs and the No. 4 San Diego Padres, the series has been set for a wild-card game. Although the teams were separated by only two games in the standings, the Cubs had a significant advantage in their regular season play, prevailing in five of six games against the Padres.

Chicago will take to the mound with starting pitcher Matthew Boyd, who boasts an impressive 10-5 record and a 3.91 ERA in 22 starts this season. However, Boyd's performance against the Padres has been less impressive, with an 8.00 ERA and allowing 16 hits, 8 earned runs, and 2 home runs in just two games.

For San Diego, starting pitcher Michael King will be taking the mound. King started 32 games this season, tallying a 3.21 ERA, which led an underwhelming Padres starting rotation. King did not face the Cubs during the regular season but compiled a remarkable 2.74 ERA in 15 starts at Petco Park, where all three games of this series will also be played.

The first game of the NL wild card will commence at 10 p.m. ET, airing on Peacock/NBC Sports Network. Fans can follow the action live on Yahoo Sports, as the Cubs and Padres go head-to-head at Petco Park in San Diego.