Cubs silenced the Padres' biggest bats, but controversy stole the spotlight

The Chicago Cubs are headed to the National League division series, but their series victory over the San Diego Padres in the National League Wild Card round is still at the center of conversation. Although the Chicago Cubs were able to effectively stymie the San Diego Padres' offense throughout the entire three-game series, a controversial call from the home plate umpire has Padres fans and analysts seething.

After Jackson Merrill launched a solo home run to get the Padres on the board, Brad Keller delivered a 97 mph fastball to Xander Bogaerts that was called for strike three. The K-zone had the ball below the strike zone, but the Cubs' reliever was able to record the pivotal out before hitting the next two batters and allowing the tying run to reach second base. It's unfortunate that such a blatant missed call occurred, and it showcases the need for the Automatic Balls and Stirkes challenge system that will arrive in MLB next season.

Even if Bogaerts reached base, Keller had already set down the Padres' best hitters in the eighth inning. Keller's outing capped off an impressive performance from the Cubs' pitching staff, who were able to hold the Padres' potent hitters from scoring more than five runs in the series.

Padres’ quiet bats spark meltdown as Cubs win gets overshadowed

With Cade Horton's availability still in question for the NLDS, the Cubs' bullpen needs to continue dealing for the team to make it past Milwaukee. Before Merrill's homer against Keller, Chicago's relief core only gave up one earned run over the previous 12 innings of work.

In addition to great pitching, the Cubs' defense played a major role in shutting down San Diego's offense. Shortstop Dansby Swanson performed a slew of heroic plays that haunted Luis Arraez and others throughout the series.

With the next series being against the Milwaukee Brewers, fundamentals like clean relief pitching and solid defense will be pivotal in defeating the NL Central rivals. Craig Counsell will be at the center of it, as the Cubs' success this season has been reminiscent of some teams Counsell had during his time as the Brewers' manager.

More Cubs News from Cubbies Crib