This page usually looks forward. But last night’s game reminded me of a game I’d seen 15 years ago. The comparisons of this team to 1985 have been many. Injuries after the division win, etc. But this season has reminded me more of 1989. That year, the Cubs entire opening day outfield (Dawson, Walton, Webster) was out at the same time. Grace separated his shoulder. Paul Kilgus started more games than Mitre. Despite the injuries and losing streaks, the team stayed close and in the hunt all year. Same with this year.

Last night’s game proved it. The game was almost a duplicate of August 17, 1989. Cubs vs. Cinci. Sutcliffe takes a shutout into the eighth, but gives up a two-out, two-run bomb to Eric Davis. In the top of the ninth, with John Franco pitching and after two quick outs, Vance Law walked, Dunston singled and Lloyd McClendon walked. Jerome Walton came up and singled to left scoring two (McClendon was thrown out at third to end the inning). Sutcliffe got win 13, Mitch Williams got another save. And the Cubs started to believe.

Last night’s game was just such a game. You can see the game log of 1989 here (hat tip to Retrosheet).

This was the biggest win of the year.

One final note. The 1989 game was followed by a 6 game losing streak. If this team goes in a tailspin now, blame me.