Wood's 20-K game highlights his top moments

CHICAGO -- In an interview in February for the Cubs' Vineline magazine, Kerry Wood was asked to list his top five moments.

1. On May 6, 1998, in his fifth big league start, Wood struck out 20 Astros and gave up one hit in a complete-game, 2-0 win at Wrigley Field. The 20 Ks tied the Major League record for the most strikeouts in a nine-inning game, which Roger Clemens had accomplished twice. Wood's feat is a National League record and a record for most strikeouts by a rookie.

2. Wood beat the Braves twice in the 2003 National League Division Series, winning Game 1 and the deciding Game 5. He became the first Cubs pitcher to pick up a pair of wins in a postseason series since Hank Borowy did so in the 1945 World Series.

3. In the 1998 NLDS, the Cubs trailed 0-2 in the best-of-five series against the Braves. Wood was matched up against Greg Maddux in Game 3, and Atlanta won, 6-2. "I know it was a loss, but I remember that game because it was me against Maddux," Wood said.

4. The Cubs were swept in the 2007 NLDS by the D-backs, but Wood said the series was one he won't forgot. He began that year on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis and had considered retirement because he was tired of battling injuries. He made his season debut Aug. 5, his first big league outing in 14 months, and was able to pitch in two games in the postseason.

5. The 2008 season was Wood's first as a closer, and he made the All-Star Game, which was the last one played at old Yankee Stadium. The right-hander was 24-for-29 in save opportunities in the first half.