The San Diego Padres’ 2025 postseason ended in familiar fashion: disappointment . Despite forcing a decisive matchup after a 3-0 shutout win in Game 2, they lost 3-1 to the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the National League Wild Card Series on Thursday evening.

San Diego third baseman and shortstop Manny Machado , who went just 1-for-10 with a .100 batting average in the series, did not shy away from accountability .

“I’ll put that blame on me, I should have been better,” Machado said after the loss, per Marty Caswell of the Sporting Tribune.

The only feather in his cap came in Game 2 with a two-run homer, but when push came to shove in Game 3, he couldn’t come through, grounding out to shortstop Dansby Swanson in the eighth inning with a runner on third.

The Padres' other marquee s

See Full Page