Last postseason, the Chicago Cubs had the home advantage when they faced the San Diego Padres in a National League Wild Card game, and they took advantage by winning their first playoff series since 2017. This year, the Padres will have the home-field edge again as they host a rematch, aiming to eliminate the Cubs on Wednesday.
The Padres are looking to advance to the NL Division Series after winning the first game of their series 8-0, with standout performances including a home run from Fernando Tatis Jr. on the very first pitch and a strong pitching effort from Michael King. San Diego will rely on right-hander Nick Pivetta, who is making his fifth start since returning from injury, to keep their momentum; meanwhile, the Cubs will counter with Kevin Gausman, hoping to extend the series to a decisive third game.
On the other side of the postseason, the AL Wild Card Series continues with the Yankees holding a 1-0 series lead over the Red Sox after a commanding 9-0 win. Both teams feature top pitchers like Cam Schlitter and Sonny Gray as they battle for a spot in the ALDS.
In the NHL, Wednesday’s schedule includes a key rivalry between the Penguins and Flyers in Philadelphia’s season opener, and the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, beginning their campaign against the Los Angeles Kings. The Avalanche and Kings have a history of high-scoring games, especially in playoffs, making their matchup an exciting one.
Current betting odds favor the Padres over the Cubs, the Yankees over the Red Sox, the Flyers over the Penguins, and the Avalanche over the Kings, indicating expectations of strong performances from the favorites. Fans can catch these games through various streaming platforms and broadcasts, with expert predictions pointing to potentially high-scoring and competitive series.
Fan Take: These matchups are critical because they not only determine which teams advance but also set the tone for the playoff run and the upcoming seasons. For hockey fans, the season openers bring renewed excitement, especially with rivalries and reigning champions eager to defend their titles, signaling a promising year ahead for the sport.
Source: www.cbssports.com
