Both Montreal and Chicago arrived at this game with identical 24-21 records. Both teams arrived in different fashions. The Cubs started off strong and seemed to fade down the stretch, while the Expos had to fight there way back into playoff contention after starting the season 1-3. Both teams haven't faced each other since the opening week series where the Cubs dominated the men from the Great White North. Montreal's offense goes through "the Rock", Tim Raines, who hit .386 and stole 24 bases from the leadoff slot. His running mate, Delino DeShields hit .303 with 10 thefts. Both had OBP's over .400. Steve Rogers (4-2, 1.79) was the ace of their staff. Dan Warthen started the season off strong going 3-1, but lost his last 4 decisions. Dale Murray (0-0, 0.00, 4 sv) took over mid season from Chad Cordero as the closer, which fueled Montreal's stretch run.
Chicago got a .400 season from 3rd baseman Bill Madlock, who posted an out of this world OPS of 1.030. Ernie Banks tied for the team lead in HR's (6), but hit only .215. Geovany Soto (.261-2-17) anchors the backstop and Randy Jackson, who splits time at 3rd with Madlock had a very respectable .280 average to go along with 6 homers. Pitching, which typically is not a strong suit at Wrigley, was very solid this season. Kerry Wood (5-2, 2.71) can blow away any unsuspecting hitter. Big Daddy, Rick Reuschel (3-3, 2.40), didn't get the run support. Bruce Sutter (0-0, 0.87, 10 sv) was lights out as the closer going 10 for 11 in save oppotunities.
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