The Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres are set to collide in a three-game series that has all the makings of an ABSOLUTE CLASSIC, and if you are looking for predictions, lineups, and everything you need to know before the first pitch, you have come to the right place. This is not just another regular season series — this is a rematch of last year's NL Wild Card Series, and the intensity, drama, and stakes will be at a level that regular season baseball rarely achieves. Buckle up, because this is going to be one HELL of a ride. The Cubs come into this series with a 17-11 record and are currently sitting in second place in the NL Central, just one game behind the Cincinnati Reds. They had been on an INCREDIBLE 10-game winning streak before dropping their last two at Dodger Stadium, and their plus-31 run differential is the fourth-best in all of Major League Baseball. This is a team that has been firing on all cylinders — hitting for power, getting on base, and pitching effectively — and they will be eager to get back in the win column against a Padres team that has been one of the best in the National League. The Padres, meanwhile, are 18-9 and in second place in the NL West, a half-game behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. They had won six consecutive series before a disappointing split with Arizona in Mexico City over the weekend, and they will be motivated to get back to their winning ways in front of their home fans at Petco Park. Their plus-12 run differential is seventh-best in the majors, and their overall record is the third-best in the National League behind only the Braves and the Dodgers. This is a team that has been consistently excellent, and they have the talent to beat anyone on any given night. The key player to watch in this series is Seiya Suzuki, who has been ABSOLUTELY SCORCHING at the plate. After a slow start that landed him on the injured list with a sprained knee, Suzuki has been on a TEAR, recording multiple hits and a home run in four of his last six games. His OPS over the past week is a STAGGERING 1.183, making him the most dangerous hitter in either lineup. Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson have also been productive, and rookie designated hitter Moises Ballesteros is hitting .438 over the past week — numbers that defy belief. On the Padres' side, the dominant Mason Miller continues to be a weapon out of the bullpen, and his presence in the late innings gives San Diego a significant advantage in close games. The Padres' deep roster and home-field advantage make them slight favorites, but the Cubs have proven they can win anywhere. Our prediction? This series goes the distance, with every game decided by two runs or fewer. The team that executes better in high-leverage situations will emerge victorious, and the baseball world will be treated to three games of PURE, UNADULTERATED EXCITEMENT.