After Padres' catcher Freddy Fermin singled with one out, bringing up the top of the Padres' lineup, Cubs manager Craig Counsell had seen enough. Already, he is turning to his bullpen, specifically Danny Palencia, who will get the luxury of facing Fernando Tatis and Luis Arraez as he tries to hold this one-run deficit.

In turn, the Red Sox will be making their first trip to the postseason since 2021, when they lost to the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series. Boston can credit its success to a few key contributors in particular.