Flashback #40: Cubs Win 1998 Wild Card (1998)

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.

September 27, 1998 - Cubs win the 1998 Wild Card 

For the Cubs, the end of the 162-game regular season in 1998 was met with mixed emotions.

Entering game 162, the Cubs controlled their own destiny. It was simple -- defeat the Astros, and the Cubs would be the National League Wild Card. If they lost, they'd need the Rockies to beat the Giants later in the day.

Game 162 ended in devastating fashion for the Cubs, as they lost 4-3 in 11 innings in Houston. The season was saved, however, when the Giants fells to the Rockies just minutes after the game in Houston ended.

The events of that final day of the regular season meant both the Cubs and Giants finished the season with a record of 89-73, creating a tie for the Wild Card spot. This tie meant the two teams would square off in a one-game playoff at Wrigley Field the following day.

In the one-game playoff, the Cubs received a stellar boost from starting pitcher Steve Trachsel, who tossed 6 1/3 innings of one-hit, shutout ball.

Trachsel ultimately led the Cubs to a 5-3 victory, bringing the North Siders their first postseason berth since 1989.

The Cubs survived despite a three-run rally in the ninth by the Giants.

The joy didn't last long, though, as the Cubs were swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Braves.

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 »