Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has several questions to address after Tuesday's 8-0 playoff loss versus the San Diego Padres, but he is absolutely certain about who he will trust in a must-win Game 2. Kevin Gausman helped the Toronto Blue Jays end their 32-year World Series drought last season, and he will be tasked with preserving the North Siders' October hopes inside a boisterous Petco Park.

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Counsell revealed that the veteran right-hander will start on Wednesday night, per Sahadev Sharma of The Athletic. Chicago's normally outstanding offense will have to respond, but in an environment that is extremely challenging for visitors, the Cubs must stay steady on the mound. That was definitely not the case in Game 1.

Matthew Boyd allowed home runs to Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado in the first inning, and the Padres never looked back. Gausman can give the lineup some valuable peace of mind by starting strong in Game 2.