Historic Pitching Match-up at Wrigley Tonight

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Jul 19, 2006 5:12PM

There haven't been very many highlights at Wrigley this season, other than some of the scenery in the bleachers. Tonight, however, those attending the Cubs-Astros game will have a chance to experience history. The pitching match-up features the Cubs' Greg Maddux going against Roger Clemens, arguably the top two pitchers of a generation.

Between them, they have a combined 667 wins and 11 Cy Young awards. Clemens currently has 342 wins and 7 Cy Youngs, while Maddux has 325 wins and 4 Cy Youngs. The last time two pitchers with more than 667 wins faced off? 1911 and Cy Young himself was one of the two!

Entering tonight's game, Maddux is 7-10 with a 4.99 ERA. Following a torrid April, Maddux has shown his age over the past three months. The 43 year old Clemens, who only joined the Astros in late July, is currently 1-3, but sports a 2.96 ERA. Don't the Astros ever score any runs for the guy? He's yet to allow more than 2 runs in a start and he's only got 1 win?

Whether or not these two bring their best stuff to the mound tonight, it'll be spectacular to simply watch two of the all time greats battle against each other. Let's just hope that those in attendance understand the significance of tonight's game.