Cubs Thrill Fans with Game 3 Win vs. Padres, Clinch 1st MLB Playoff Series Since 2017

The Chicago Cubs had lost their last three playoff series dating back to 2017. That streak is finally over.

The Cubs beat the San Diego Padres 3-1 on Thursday night in Game 3 of their Wild Card Round matchup, booking their place in the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers.

Pete Crow-Armstrong, Dansby Swanson and Michael Busch provided the key moments at the dish, while six Cubs pitchers frustrated a Padres offense that batted 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position.

The Cubs also flashed some serious leather in the win:

Cubs fans were hype after the win, as you might imagine:

The Cubs got to starting pitcher Yu Darvish early on, chasing him out of the game in the second inning. While the Padres bullpen did an admirable job from there, giving up just one run, the damage had already been done in what turned into a bullpen duel.

Chicago starter Jameson Taillon gave the team four innings, allowing just two hits while striking out four, before the Cubs turned things over to the bullpen as well. Elimination games often turn into bullpen games, and this was no exception.

It wasn't without its drama. Jackson Merrill opened the top of the ninth with a solo homer, and Xander Boagaerts would have been on first base after him with a walk had he not been rung up on a poor 3-2 call by the umpire. Brad Keller then plunked Ryan O'Hearn and Bryce Johnson, putting the tying runs on base, and was promptly yanked from the game.

But Andrew Kittredge replaced him and closed the door, sending Wrigley Field into a frenzy.

And so the Cubs will face the Brewers, and the season series couldn't have been much closer, with Chicago holding a 7-6 advantage. The NL Central showdown should be a fun one.