The Chicago Cubs are facing elimination after a difficult start to the postseason, but shortstop Dansby Swanson said the team plans to stick with what worked during the regular season.

Chicago lost 8-0 to the San Diego Padres in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series at Petco Park, collecting three hits and going 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Still, the Cubs' shortstop thinks not everything is lost after the Game 1 defeat.

“At this time of year, it can be challenging because you go so in depth with the other team & trying to navigate what they’re going to do … I think the greatest reminder is if we do what we do best, then we feel like we’re a really good baseball team,” Swanson told reporters.

Dansby Swanson on the Cubs' approach tonight: "Really and truly it's about staying locked in on every pitch. Just laying it all out there and understanding that we're at our best when we do what we do best." pic.twitter.com/uZaShchq2A

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) October 1, 2026

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The Cubs will need a quick offensive response after San Diego’s pitching staff held them without a run and struck out 10 batters in the opener. Chicago won four of six regular-season meetings with the Padres, including a 23-3 victory at Wrigley Field in July. Manager Craig Counsell’s team now needs to win Game 2 to keep its season alive.

Swanson finished the regular season with a .213 batting average, 19 home runs, 69 RBIs, 81 runs and 17 stolen bases in 149 games. The 32-year-old also remained a key defensive player at shortstop and posted an .875 OPS during the final month. He went 0-for-3 with one strikeout in Game 1 while batting ninth.

Chicago will start right-hander Kevin Gausman in Game 2 against Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta. The game is scheduled for Wednesday at Petco Park. A Cubs win would force a deciding Game 3 in San Diego on Thursday. The winner of the series will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Division Series.