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Cubs survived Game 3 thanks to chaos that screamed for ABS

This controversial moment in Cubs’ Game 3 win reignited ABS debate
ByJordan Campbell|
Oct 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59), relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) and catcher Carson Kelly (15) celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Oct 2, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Andrew Kittredge (59), relief pitcher Daniel Palencia (48) and catcher Carson Kelly (15) celebrate after defeating the San Diego Padres during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs etched out a Game 3 victory against the San Diego Padres on Thursday, but in doing so, they provided the reason why ABS will be a welcome change next season. In the ninth inning of Thursday's win, Brad Keller threw what appeared to be ball four to Padres' shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Instead, it was a called strike three that ultimately proved to be the difference in the game.

Cubs proved in Game 3 why umpires can’t be trusted without ABS

After Padres' outfielder Jackson Merrill hit a solo shot to lead off the ninth inning, the called third strike to Bogaerts proved to be a massive difference maker for the Cubs. After the controversial call, it seemed that Keller lost what little control he had left, hitting both Ryan O'Hearn and Bryce Johnson. With the Padres having the tying runs on the base paths, Craig Counsell turned to Game 2 starter Andrew Kittredge, who managed to avoid heartbreak and close out the series.

Had this been a playoff game in 2026, chances are the outcome of the ninth inning would have gone differently for the Cubs. Major League Baseball announced at the end of September that the ABS challenge system will be used in 2026. In other words, Bogaerts would have been able to challenge the strike call, and the automated system would have overturned the call. Such a scenario would have seen the Padres ultimately have the bases loaded, and who knows if the Cubs would have been able to squeak out a victory. Fortunately, that is a problem for next season and not during these playoffs.

Even if it is due to human error, playoff baseball is all about finding ways to win a game. Even before the controversial call in the ninth inning, the Cubs were clearly the superior team at Wrigley Field on Thursday night. If the night ended in heartbreak, that would have been the type of pain that has been all too common at Wrigley Field. Nonetheless, they live to see another day and will play the Milwaukee Brewers in the NLDS.

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