CHICAGO – In a statement that shocked the fan base, Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said that defense, not offense, was the deciding factor in the team’s 3-1 victory over the San Diego Padres in Game 3 of the Wild Card series, advancing to the Division Series for the first time since 2017.
“I honestly think defense was the MVP of this series,” Hoyer said in the postgame press conference. “We held one of the best offenses in the league to just five runs. It wasn’t just a win – it was a statement.”
Over the course of three games, the Cubs allowed just five runs to the Padres, while the team’s bullpen went 17⅔ innings with just three runs allowed, posting a 1.53 ERA.
Defense Shines: Stars Especially
The Cubs’ center field pairing of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner were outstanding defensively. Swanson, a two-time Gold Glove winner, made three straight saves against Luis Arraez in Game 3. Hoerner was no slouch either, making accurate catches and pitches, especially the game-winning catch in the eighth inning, helping the team maintain their advantage.
Bullpen: Unsung Heroes
Despite the lack of attention, the Cubs’ bullpen has been outstanding. Players like Daniel Palencia, Drew Pomeranz, Andrew Kittredge, Brad Keller, and Caleb Thielbar held the game together, not allowing the Padres to turn the game around. It’s worth noting that most of these players were drafted at low cost, but have proven their worth in this deciding series.
Hoyer: “This Is Validation of My Method”
In response to previous criticism of his focus on defense and the bullpen, Hoyer said: “This is validation of my method. Strong defense and a strong bullpen are the foundation for this team to go far this season.” He also emphasized that this victory was not just the result of one game, but the result of a long-term strategy that has been built and developed.
Cubs Advance to Division Series: Matchup with Brewers
With this victory, the Cubs will face their division rival, the Milwaukee Brewers, in the Division Series. This is a big challenge, but with current form, Cubs are confident they will continue their journey to conquer the championship.
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