Kerry Wood winds up to throw a pitch during the Cubs 2-0 win over the Houston Astros on May 6, 1998. Wood struck out 20. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
As of 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary on January 3rd, the station has begun to reveal (in chronological order) the Top 100 Chicago Sports Stories that have occurred since they first went on the air 20 years ago. Once all 100 of these “flashbacks” have been revealed, fans will be able to vote for which stories they believe are the most significant in the 20 year history of The Score. To see all of the Flashbacks that The Score has posted so far, please visit 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary page.
May 6, 1998 – Kerry Wood Strikes Out 20
It was just the fifth start of 20-year-old Kerry Wood’s career, but it was one Cubs fans will never forget.
No one really knew what to expect from the rookie — how could they? At the time, Wood was just a kid getting his first real opportunity in the big leagues.
That’s what makes Wood’s performance on May 6, 1998 so special. Wood threw nine innings of one-hit ball, striking out 20 batters and walking none, tying the Major-League record for most strikeouts in a game.
“I couldn’t imagine ever doing this, to tell you the truth,” Wood said after the game.
He threw 122 pitches on the day, 84 for strikes.
Wood’s 20 strikeouts tied the record set by Roger Clemens against the Mariners on April 29, 1986, and matched by Clemens against Tigers on Sept. 18, 1996.
“That’s the greatest thrill anyone could be associated with,” Wood said. “Roger is a great pitcher and he’s definitely established himself. I talked to him on the phone this past off-season.”
The Score will continue to release a new Flashback each weekday until they reach 100. Check back tomorrow for a new one, or check out all of the previous Flashbacks: 670 The Score’s 20th Anniversary »
