Baseball was still alive and well in Wrigleyville on Wednesday as the Cubs looked to advance into the next round of postseason games.

Unfortunately, the team couldn't get it done in two, meaning it comes down to Game 3 on Thursday.

Cubs Nation has been out in full force all day, leading up to Game 2 against the Sandiego Padres, following their 3-1 victory on Tuesday.

Inside Wrigley Field, the stakes were simple — the Padres had to win to stay alive, while the Cubs needed just one more victory to clinch the series.

Wrigleyville felt more like a holiday, with the marquee buzzing and a huge crowd — some deciding to take off work for the occasion. By mid-morning, Clark and Addison were already packed with fans in blue, white, and red filling sidewalks, spilling out of bars, and lining up at the gates.

"She looked over and said, 'Do any of these people work? It's 1:30 in the afternoon, don't people have jobs?" Jordan Kaye said.

Local businesses are benefitting from crowds for the first time in years, with lines out the door at bars and to snag their postseason gear. Sprinkled among the crowd were Padres fans, who were welcomed into the neighborhood.

Though the Padres held on to a 3-0 lead to take the game, fans are still hoping for that second game win to move on to the next series.

For one Chicago Cubs fan, heading to his first playoff game with dad was a surprise.

"My dad looked at me at the dentist and said, 'We're going to the game,' so I gave him a fist bump, so this was pretty fun," Blake Cardona said. 

His father, Michael, said attending the game was not planned, or else his wife would have joined them. 

"We were at the dentist, and he came back with no cavities. I'm like, alright, we're going to the Cubs game and wait for little sister to get done." Michael said. "He's a great Cubs fan, so what better way to take him to the Cubs game? Especially with a half day of school."

Despite Wednesday's loss, fans are still hopeful.

"I'm feeling great, I hope the Cubs will make it, you know I've got everything that says they will," Tina Zitella said. "I hope they get as far as they can and all the way, that means to the World Series."

"I just really want those amazing people in San Diego to get their hopes up to feel inspired and feel joyous just so we can take it away tomorrow in Game 3. San Diego can have a nice, long vacation and have the Cubs enjoy the postseason," Kyle Davis said. 

"I love to see the city win, obviously, the city struggled with sports the last few years," Chase Vallrugo said. "I was there to watch the White Sox, and I was there for the double doink ... White Sox fan, Cubs fan, I'm happy to be here." 

If the Cubs can finish the job at Wrigley, the focus quickly shifts to the next round and an even bigger stage in the National League Series against the Milwaukee Brewers.