The Chicago Cubs are charging into the NL Division Series after eliminating the San Diego Padres in a tense 3-1 Wild Card victory. Their journey so far? It’s all about elite defense.
Key offensive moments helped seal the win, but honestly, it was the relentless glove work from guys like Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Pete Crow-Armstrong that really swung the series Chicago’s way. From game-saving dives to lightning-fast throws, the Cubs showed that in October, a great defense can be every bit as dangerous as a power bat.
Cubs Defense Sets the Tone in Wild Card Triumph
Padres manager Mike Shildt didn’t even blink when asked about his series MVP — Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson. Swanson just put on a defensive clinic, making clutch plays in both Game 1 and Game 3.
Twice, he robbed Padres infielder Luis Arraez of base hits. In another wild moment, he recovered from a quick bobble and still fired a sharp, on-target throw for the out. Swanson’s presence in the middle infield really changes the game.
Nico Hoerner’s Midfield Magic
While Swanson locked down shortstop, second baseman Nico Hoerner made sure there was no weak spot in the Cubs’ infield. In Game 3, Hoerner leapt high to steal an RBI hit from Jose Iglesias, and the Wrigley crowd just exploded.
Statistically, Hoerner’s season has been up there with the best. He finished eighth among all MLB infielders with a sharp +15 Outs Above Average. Only Mauricio Dubón edged him out at second base.
Outfield Heroics from Crow-Armstrong
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong wrapped up Chicago’s defensive highlight reel with a sliding grab on a scorching liner from Manny Machado. That was his 17th five-star catch this season — more than any other outfielder in the majors.
In a series that didn’t have many big offensive moments, those defensive plays made all the difference. San Diego just couldn’t get anything going with the Cubs flashing leather like that.
The Numbers Behind the Shields
The Cubs’ defensive dominance isn’t some fluke. Statcast’s Fielding Run Value metric shows they ranked second in MLB with +41 runs saved.
That kind of consistency forces opponents to get anxious at the plate. For Chicago, shutting down runs has been their thing all year, and it really showed up against the Padres.
Pitching Complements the Defense
The gloves deserved the spotlight, but the Cubs’ pitchers did their part too. In Game 3, starter Jameson Taillon tossed four scoreless innings and kept San Diego’s bats quiet.
When things got tense late after Brad Keller struggled, trade-deadline pickup Andrew Kittredge came in and slammed the door. Strong pitching plus airtight defense? The Padres just couldn’t solve that combo.
Craig Counsell’s Strategic Vision
Manager Craig Counsell keeps saying run prevention isn’t just about pitching — it’s about the whole defensive unit. He puts athletic, versatile fielders out there, and the bullpen gets to work with less pressure.
This approach has kept the Cubs tight and dangerous as they roll into the next round of October baseball.
Why the Cubs Are a Dangerous NLDS Opponent
Now, as they get ready for the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers, the Cubs bring serious momentum thanks to their defense and Swanson’s leadership. They’re turning would-be hits into outs, shutting down big bats, and staying cool under playoff pressure.
In the postseason, where one swing or one defensive play can flip everything, that gives Chicago a real edge. Wouldn’t want to bet against them right now.
Key Takeaways from the Wild Card Series
The Cubs’ formula for success is pretty straightforward:
- Elite infield defense with Swanson and Hoerner holding things down.
- Aggressive outfield coverage, and Crow-Armstrong’s range really stands out.
- Efficient pitching rotation that gets a boost from a timely bullpen.
- Run prevention focus that just frustrates the heck out of opposing hitters.
The Cubs are gearing up to face the Brewers. Their gloves? Honestly, they might be just as dangerous as any bat in the lineup.
Here is the source article for this story: Dansby’s glove highlights stellar Cubs defense in Wild Card Series win
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