May 5, 1998: Cubs rookie Kerry Wood ties the MLB record with 20 strikeouts in a nine-inning game as he throws a one-hitter against the Astros at Wrigley Field.
Wood also breaks the National League record of 19, which had been held by Steve Carlton, Tom Seaver and David Cone.
Roger Clemens of the Red Sox had posted 20 strikeouts in games in 1986 against Seattle and 1996 against Detroit.
Wood allowed no walks against the Astros. The lone hit for Houston was Ricky Gutierrez's infield single to lead off the third inning. With one out, Gutierrez advanced to second on a sacrifice, then to third on a balk called on Wood. The inning ended with Craig Biggio's groundout, and Wood gained steam by striking out five of the next six batters he faced.
The game, a 2-0 win for the Cubs, ends with Derek Bell striking out.
