Kerry Wood's performance against the Astros was perhaps the most impressive pitching outing in big-league history. Was it the most dominating single-game performance ever? Here are nine of the best to choose from:
1. Kerry Wood, Chicago Cubs vs. Houston Astros, May 6, 1998
|  | | Cubs fans had the 'K' signs working for Kerry Wood. |
In just his fifth major-league start, the 20-year-old rookie tied the major-league record as he fanned 20 Houston Astros with a fastball that reached 100 mph on a couple occasions. He allowed only one hit -- and infield single off the glove of third baseman Kevin Orie.
His line: 9 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 20 K
2. Roger Clemens, Boston Red Sox vs. Detroit Tigers, Sept. 18, 1996
The Rocket tied his own record with 20 strikeouts in one nine-inning game -- 10 years after he became the first pitcher to ever do it when he fanned 20 Mariners.
His line: 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 20 K
3. Jack Morris, Minnesota Twins vs. Atlanta Braves, Oct. 27, 1991
The ultimate contest -- Game 7 of the World Series. Morris delivered perhaps the greatest Game 7 outing in history, pitching 10 innings of scoreless baseball as the Twins beat the Braves 1-0. Dominating? Considering the circumstances, yes.
His line: 10 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K
4. Nolan Ryan, Texas Rangers vs. Toronto Blue Jays, May 1, 1991
At the ripe old age of 44, the Ryan Express could still bring it pretty good. He blew away the Blue Jays with 16 strikeouts and recorded the amazing seventh no-hitter of his career.
His line: 9 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 16 K
5. Bob Gibson, St. Louis Cardinals vs. Detroit Tigers, Oct. 1, 1968
In the first game of the World Series, Gibson was at his best, fanning a World Series-record 17 Tigers as the Cardinals beat 31-game winner Denny McLain 4-0. Alas, the Tigers would win the Series in seven games -- beating Gibson in Game 7.
His line: 9 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 17 K
6. Sandy Koufax, Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Chicago Cubs, Sept. 9, 1965
Koufax tossed four no-hitters in his career and twice fanned 18 in a single game. But on this September night he retired every batter he faced -- and whiffed 14 of them. And he needed perfection because his opponent, Bob Hendley, allowed just one hit.
His line: 9 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 14 K
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7. Harvey Haddix, Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Milwaukee Braves, May 26, 1959
Haddix was perfect for 12 innings, retiring 36 straight batters -- and then lost the game in the 13th. Haddix lost the perfect game on an error, and then the no-hitter and game when Hank Aaron was intentionally walked and Joe Adcock homered (it was changed to a double when Adcock passed Aaron on the basepaths). Lew Burdette tossed the 13-inning shutout for the Braves.
His line: 12.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 8 K
8. Don Larsen, New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers, Oct. 8, 1956
Don Larsen had struggled in Game 2 of the '56 Series, getting pulled in the second inning after walking four hitters. He got another chance in Game 5 -- and delivered perfection by retiring all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers. It remains the only no-hitter in postseason history and is one of only 14 perfect games ever pitched.
His line: 9 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 7 K
9. Johnny Vander Meer, Cincinnati Reds vs. Brooklyn Dodgers, June 15, 1938
This night game provided a double dose of history: It was the first night game in Ebbets Field history and Vander Meer became the only pitcher to record back-to-back no-hitters as he blanked the Bums.
His line: 9 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 8 BB, 7 K
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