WATCH: Ian Happ reacts to playoff win over Padres, Wrigley Field atmosphere

Tony Crumpton · Senior Editor · 9 hours ago

Chicago Cubs left fielder Ian Happ discusses the feeling at Wrigley Field during NL Wild Card Series Game 1 and the big plays made in a 3-1 win over the San Diego Padres.

Watch his postgame interview below:

Video summary/cliff notes:

(00:00) Happ says it was special to get a win at Wrigley after past quick playoff exits. The crowd was loud, energized, and made the homers even more fun.

(00:19) He credits pitcher Pavetta for tough execution but says Seiya Suzuki’s big 5th-inning homer shifted momentum, followed immediately by Carson Kelly’s swing.

(00:50) Notes that playoff scoring often comes via home runs against good pitching, and that the Cubs’ bats did just enough to scratch runs together.

(01:12) Praises the bullpen for being “electric” all season, saying their confidence radiates through the whole team. Describes their work as dominant once Boyd exited.

(01:31) Says the team takes it one day at a time, but grinding through at-bats late against the bullpen was a huge key.

(01:52) Highlights defensive gems — including a textbook diving play and a tough over-the-shoulder catch in the sun — that kept momentum on the Cubs’ side.

(02:24) Calls the Wrigley atmosphere “special,” with fans loud from pitch one and fully embracing playoff baseball after time away.

(02:40) Reflects on pride in the group’s grind to get back to the postseason and what they’ve built as a team.

(02:55) On Suzuki: Happ says Seiya is built for big games, with championship experience in Japan, and can homer against anyone — proved it today.

(03:43) Applauds Daniel Palencia for embracing a tough “up-down” bullpen role, staying composed after celebrating big moments, and delivering a key out.