The Padres haven’t won a division title since 2006, but they are in the middle of what is shaping up to be an epic three-team race with the Dodgers and Giants for the National League West crown this year. As the race heats up, San Diego is at Wrigley Field this week for a four-game series against the Cubs, and you can stream tonight’s game for free right now on MLB.TV.
The Cubs’ starter, Southern California native Kyle Hendricks, has struggled this season but has been lights-out against San Diego during his career. That’s especially true of Hendricks’ starts at Petco Park, where he entered Tuesday 5-1 with a 2.29 ERA over six starts.
Hendricks is up against a Friars offense that entered the series averaging more than five runs per game in June after putting up 4.18 runs per game through the end of May.
Cronenworth had 17 RBIs from June 4 to June 10, the third most in any six-game span in Padres history.
The Cubs’ offense is led by catcher Willson Contreras, a potential summer trade candidate who is in the midst of a career year with free agency looming after this season. If your favorite team needs a catcher, this is a good chance to check out the top option on the market.