Craig Kimbrel struck out the side in electric fashion for Cubs win (Video)

Chicago Cubs reliever Craig Kimbrel closed out the Cubs win over the Padres in impressive fashion with three straight strikeouts.

When you manage to sweep one of the best teams in baseball, it’s definitely because you got some outstanding performances.

The Cubs certainly did.

On Tuesday night, reliever Craig Kimbrel put on his best show in the ninth inning to put away the Padres.

It was a tight one when Kimbrel took the mound. The Cubs had a one-run lead. It took 13 pitches for the pitcher to protect it.

He started out by taking down Wil Myers in three pitches. Then Tucupita Marcano struck out looking as a pinch hitter. Finally, Victor Caratini went down looking on a 3-2 count with a fastball down the middle.

Craig Kimbrel dominated the Padres just like the Cubs in the series

Kimbrel’s pitching display gave the Cubs their second win over San Diego in the series. They went on to finish the sweep on Wednesday with a comfortable 6-1 victory.

Chicago is red hot at the moment. They’re 32-23 and sitting firmly in first place in the NL Central. Winning nine of the last 10 has helped fortify their position. In that same stretch, the second-place Cardinals have gone 5-5.

This is only the second time this season the Padres have been swept. The Brewers are the only other team in baseball who can make that claim.

San Diego will look to bounce back with a home series against the Mets before welcoming the Cubs to Petco Park for a taste of revenge.

The Cubs will be in California in the lead-up to that series. They’re set to take on the Giants in a four-game series. Another sweep there would actually be a huge help to the Padres.