1998 Houston Astros season

Offseason

• November 11, 1997: Traded pitchers Manuel Barrios and Óscar Henríquez and a player to be named later to the Florida Marlins for outfielder Moisés Alou. Houston sent pitcher Mark Johnson to Florida on December 16, 1997, to complete the transaction.
• December 22, 1997: Signed free agent outfielder Rob Butler.

Regular season

Summary

March—April

;Opening Day starting lineup

Second baseman Craig Biggio became the third player to make 10 Opening Day starts for the Astros, joining César Cedeño (1981) and José Cruz (1986—11 total).

Starting April 17 until June 3, Craig Biggio reached base in each of 41 consecutive games spanning the second-longest in franchise history, trailing Jimmy Wynn (1969) and Greg Gross (1975), tied at 52. During the streak, Biggio hit for a .331 batting average, .425 on-base percentage (OBP) and .548 slugging percentage (SLG), garnering 52 hits and 19 bases on balls (BB). Wynn first set the record from June 4–August 3, 1969, while Gross reached from June 25–August 18, 1975. The NL record spanned 58 games, achieved by Duke Snider, who reached base each game from May 13–July 11, 1954, for the Brooklyn Dodgers.

May

Rookie right-hander Kerry Wood, making just his fifth major league start for the Chicago Cubs on May 6, made history at the Astros' expense, striking out 20 in a one-hit, 2–0 complete game shuitout victory at Wrigley Field. Wood's performance tied Roger Clemens for the major league strikeout record in a 9-inning game, while setting the National League record. Craig Biggio's spot as the leadoff hitter was the only place in the batting order which fell victim to fewer than two strikeouts, with one, and he also reached base on a hit by pitch. Only Jeff Bagwell and Jack Howell struck out as many as three times. The only hit that Wood yielded was a single to Ricky Gutiérrez to lead off the third inning. Shane Reynolds (2–3) fired an eight-inning complete game in the losing effort, scattered eight hits with just one of two runs earned and struck out 10.

The left-hander Randy Johnson from the Seattle Mariners had become the biggest trade target of the 1998 mid-season playoff race, as the Mariners were apparently out of contention by Memorial Day, and he was destined to become a free agent following the season. However, the Astros were not estimated to be major candidates to acquire the extraordinary southpaw. Meanwhile, general manager Gerry Hunsicker envisioned Johnson as a weapon against the left-handed heavy New York Yankees lineup in a hypothetical World Series matchup, who were on their way to one of the all-time greatest regular seasons in major league history, and second-most wins in the modern era, accumulating a record of . Johnson completely dominated lefties, holding them to a .156 batting average against over four subsequent Cy Young Award-winning seasons from 1999 to 2002. Further, acquiring Johnson meant keeping him away from the Yankees, as well the Los Angeles Dodgers, both heavily rumored as favorites. A trade agreement with Hunsicker's counterpart in Seattle, Woody Woodward, required a high prospect package, starting with right-hander Freddy García, shortstop Carlos Guillén and another who would be a player to be named later. For weeks initially, Hunsicker balked on making the deal.

Hunsicker noted apprehension that he would be "paying too much" for Johnson. Both García and Guillén later became multiple-time All-Stars with lengthy major league careers. García took on a large role in Seattle's starting rotation the following year, including placing second in the American League (AL) Rookie of the Year balloting. Guillen was solid for the Mariners, but took longer to blossom, peaking after he was traded by Seattle prior to the 2004 season to the Detroit Tigers. Further, the Astros would be unable to extend Johnson or resign him in free agency during the off-season.

June—July

Just one week after Biggio's historic on-base streak ended, on June 10, Jeff Bagwell commenced his own long streak of reaching base, lasting until July 29. A grand total of 44 consecutive games, this displaced Biggio's 41-game streak for second place in team history. Bagwell proceeded to hit .282, .411 OBP and .595 SLG, including collecting 46 hits and drawing 33 walks.

An error in the ninth inning on June 14 by Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin allowed the Astros to tie the game. Houston proceeded to score five more runs, resulting in a 6–3 win in the tenth inning.

Facing a 5–3 deficit going into the ninth inning on June 17, Bagwell connected for a two-run home run to tie the score. Brad Ausmus singled in the game-winning run, and C. J. Nitkowski got the victory, his second of the year.

MLB All-Star Game

Biggio and Alou were selected to play for the National League at the All-Star Game, hosted at Coors Field in Denver. It was Alou's first selection as an Astro and the third overall in his career.

Don Sutton's Hall of Fame induction

On July 28, right-hander Don Sutton, who pitched for the Astros during the 1981 and 1982 seasons, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum on July 28. During the 1981 season, his performance was instrumental in the Astros securing a playoff berth against his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers. On July 7, 1982, Sutton earned his 250th career victory, a 5–1 triumph over the Chicago Cubs. The right-hander was honored primarily based on his achievements while pitching for the Dodgers.

Sutton became the second former Astro to be inducted into the Hall of Fame over consecutive seasons, succeeding Nellie Fox in 1997, and sixth overall.

Rest of July

Moments before the trade deadline on July 31, Houston acquired Johnson from the Mariners. Though he concluded the Seattle chapter of his career with a 4.33 ERA, going 9-10 prior to the deal, Johnson recaptured his previous dominant form and left Mariner fans with some solid memories. On July 11 and 16, Johnson hurled consecutive shutouts over the Anaheim Angels and Minnesota Twins, yielding six hits while fanning 26 hitters. Despite not pitching in the American League (AL) after the month of July, Johnson ranked third in the league in strikeouts (213) and fifth in complete games (6) at season's end, and ended up just two innings short of qualifying for rate statistics (160 IP).

August

At the time of their trade for Johnson, the Astros occupied first place in the NL Central and led the second-place the Cubs by games. Johnson made his Astros debut on August 2 at Three Rivers Stadium to face the Pittsburgh Pirates, who countered with Todd Van Poppel. The two pitchers kept it close, as Johnson lived up to his billing with 12 strikeouts, but Pittsburgh held the advantage through 7 innings, at 2–1. In the top of the eighth, the Astros scored twice before Tony Eusebio pinch hit for Johnson and doubled in Ricky Gutiérrez for the third run of the inning. Rookie Scott Elarton finished off the afternoon with two perfect innings and strikeouts number 13 and 14 for Houston pitching. Hence, Johnson won his debut with seven strong innings to lead a 6–2 Astros win.

Johnson made his debut at the Astrodome as a member of the home team on August 7 and led a 9–0 shutout of the Philadelphia Phillies before a record attendance. This was first of 3 consecutive home shutouts for Johnson. The-fifth-largest crowd to attend a regular-season contest in the Astrodome (52,071) witnessed Johnson's mastery over Philadelphia. The Astros won 30 of their first 39 games after acquiring Johnson and their division lead over Chicago swelled from games to .

Randy Johnson hammered a five-hit, 13-strikeout shutout of the Milwaukee Brewers on August 12, his first 13-strikeout performance as an Astro. In all, Johnson surrendered five hits and two bases on balls for a game score of 88 to lead a 3–0 triumph. Craig Biggio homered (13) and had three hits. Johnson secured a safety and his first RBI as an Astro. Two unlikely bases bandits—Richard Hidalgo and Moisés Alou—and Derek Bell each picked Milwaukee's pocket.

On August 17, Johnson lost his start to the Phillies, snapping a scoreless innings streak at 19, the longest for the year on Houston's pitching staff.

Back at the Astrodome on August 28 to host the Pirates, Johnson fired another shutout, this time for 7 hits, no bases on balls, 16 strikeouts, and a game score of 89, his highest after he was acquired by Houston. The Pirates countered with Astros killer Francisco Córdova, who was up to the challenge with another gem, remained unscathed save for a balk and two errors to push Brad Ausmus along to score the only tallies of the contest. The 16 strikeouts set a Houston record for left-handers, surpassing 15 by Mike Cuellar on June 25, 1966. It was the most by an Astros pitcher since Nolan Ryan amassed 16 punchouts on September 9, 1987, against the San Francisco Giants.

The Astros posted the best month in franchise history, going 22–7 in August, while increasing their lead in the NL Central to 11 games. Meanwhile, Johnson was named NL Pitcher of the Month, after having gone 5–1, 1.16 ERA, and leading the NL in strikeouts (61) and shutouts (3).

September—October

On September 2, Johnson worked the winning end of a pitchers' duel opposite Greg Maddux for a 4–2 Astros' win over the Atlanta Braves, where Johnson struck out 10. in a rare three-home run game off the Atlanta ace.

Johnson authored a 14-strikeout gem on September 7, a six-hitter of Cincinnati in a 1–0 final. Derek Bell's deep blast in the bottom of the sixth augmented the all run support required to cure the finishing touches of a masterpiece. In spite of making just his eighth appearances for Houston, Johnson became the first left-hander in club history to propagate three 13-strikeout performances, surpassing Cuellar.

Bagwell hit his first career grand slam on September 8 while tying a career-high six runs batted in (RBI) against Cincinnati in a 13–7 Astros' victory. His 218th career home run, this broke the then-longest streak among active players without having hit a grand slam.

On September 12, the Astros won their 96th game of the season, hosting the Cardinals for a 3–2 final score. Johnson was the starter and won this game as well, going seven innings with two runs allowed and 11 strikeouts, This win tied the 1986 team for most in franchise history.

Just one game from clinching the NL Central division title, on September 14, the Astros took a 4–2 lead headed into ninth against the New York Mets, but lost, 7–4, in 13 innings. Mike Piazza, who collected 4 hits for New York, also launched a bomb that hurtled 480 ft. However, the San Diego Padres later defeated the second-place Cubs, 4–3. Former Astro Ken Caminiti led off the eighth inning with a home run for San Diego. Hence, the Cubs' defeat gave Houston their second-consecutive division title. San Diego (95–56) pulled within a game of Atlanta and Houston (96–55) for the best record in the NL.

Meanwhile, another race transpiring in the NL Central, and the most-watched race of the summer—the home run record chase—remained deadlocked at 62 as of September 14. The Cubs' Sammy Sosa whiffed four times against the Padres, while Mark McGwire of the St. Louis Cardinals singled twice in a 7–3 victory over the Pirates.

On September 15, Craig Biggio singled in the ninth inning of the second game of a doubleheader off Turk Wendell of the Mets for his 200th hit of the season. With the hit, Biggio become the first player in Astros history to reach this milestone. The Astros lost the second game, 8–4, after winning the first to earn the split. Biggio had passed Enos Cabell's club single-season record for hits (195), established in 1978.

At Busch Memorial Stadium on September 23, the Astros defeated St. Louis, 7–1, for their 100th win of the season, reaching the milestone for the first time in franchise history. Johnson worked 7 strong innings, allowing the only run with six walks and eight strikeouts on 136 pitches to earn his 10th win since joining Houston and 19th overall for the season. Biggio, Hidalgo, and Alou all collected three hits apiece. Biggio pilfered his 50th base of the season, by which along with 50 doubles, joined Hall of Famer Tris Speaker as the major league only players since the 20th century to have reached both milestones in the same season. Biggio became the ninth player in major league history to join the 20 home runs—50 stolen bases club, and the second Astro since César Cedeño compiled three consecutive from 1972 to 1974.

Biggio ultimately reached 210 hits for the season, which remained as the Astros' single-season record until Jose Altuve surpassed it on September 16, 2014. Biggio also surpassed Cedeño's club record for runs scored (891).

Performance overview

The Astros won a club-record 102 games en route to a second successive NL Central division title. Five starting pitchers earned double-figures in wins for Houston, including Randy Johnson's effort with the Astros after his acquisition at the July 31 trade deadline. The team drew a franchise-record 2.45 million fans in their penultimate season as tenants at the Astrodome, including 10 contests with 50,000 or more. Fans would exceed the stadium's attendance record again the following year by over 250,000.

The sixth consecutive winning season for the Astros, it signaled the fifth consecutive with a finish in either first or second place in the NL Central division—both unprecedented streaks at the time. The 1998 season was the third time the Astros won upward of 90 games, having previously achieved this in 1980 (93 wins) and 1986 (96). For the first time since 1980 and 1981, Houston repeated both as consecutive division title winners, and as playoff entrants.

Following the season, Biggio was recognized with the Silver Slugger Award for the fifth time in his career, extending his club record. It was fourth at second base and he had won his first as catcher. Left fielder Moisés Alou also won the Silver Slugger during his first season in Houston and the second of his career overall.

Johnson won each of his final 7 regular season starts, surrendering 7 earned runs in innings for a 1.28 ERA.

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Notable transactions

• July 31, 1998: Randy Johnson was traded by the Seattle Mariners to the Houston Astros for a player to be named later, Freddy Garcia, and Carlos Guillén. The Houston Astros sent John Halama (October 1, 1998) to the Seattle Mariners to complete the trade.

Roster

Game log

Regular season

|-style="background:#fcc;" | 1 || March 31 || 4:06p.m. CDT || Giants || L 4–9 (13) || Johnstone (1–0) || Nitkowski (0–1) || — || 4:29 || 43,776 || 0–1 || L1 |- |-style="background:#cfc;" | 2 || April 1 || 6:37p.m. CDT || Giants || W 7–6 || Miller (1–0) || Tavarez (0–1) || Wagner (1) || 3:04 || 13,719 || 1–1 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 3 || April 2 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Giants || L 2–9 || Rueter (1–0) || Halama (0–1) || — || 3:18 || 15,040 || 1–2 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 4 || April 3 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Rockies || W 15–2 || Lima (1–0) || Wright (0–1) || — || 2:47 || 26,026 || 2–2 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 5 || April 4 || 7:06p.m. CDT || Rockies || L 3–5 || Thompson (1–0) || Bergman (0–1) || Dipoto (2) || 2:54 || 21,325 || 2–3 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 6 || April 5 || 1:36p.m. CDT || Rockies || W 6–2 || Reynolds (1–0) || Kile (1–1) || — || 2:29 || 21,037 || 3–3 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 7 || April 6 || 12:37p.m. CDT || Rockies || W 13–4 || Hampton (1–0) || Thomson (1–1) || — || 2:51 || 13,553 || 4–3 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 8 || April 7 || 3:11p.m. CDT || @ Giants || L 4–5 (10) || Nen (1–0) || Wagner (0–1) || — || 3:38 || 55,370 || 4–4 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 9 || April 8 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 6–3 || Lima (2–0) || Rueter (1–1) || Wagner (2) || 3:02 || 10,021 || 5–4 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 10 || April 9 || 9:04p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 3–1 || Bergman (1–1) || Gardner (1–1) || Nitkowski (1) || 2:54 || 10,153 || 6–4 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 11 || April 10 || 9:07p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || L 2–7 || Martínez (2–1) || Reynolds (1–1) || — || 2:51 || 34,994 || 6–5 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 12 || April 11 || 9:07p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || W 6–2 || Hampton (2–0) || Dreifort (0–1) || Henry (1) || 2:27 || 40,037 || 7–5 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 13 || April 12 || 7:08p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || L 6–7 (10) || Osuna (1–0) || Wagner (0–2) || — || 3:27 || 33,429 || 7–6 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 14 || April 13 || 7:05p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || L 1–3 || Nomo (1–1) || Lima (2–1) || Radinsky (2) || 2:14 || 32,289 || 7–7 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 15 || April 15 || 6:12p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 1–4 || Tomko (2–1) || Reynolds (1–2) || Shaw (4) || 2:28 || 15,619 || 7–8 || L3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 16 || April 16 || 6:30p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 7–4 || Hampton (3–0) || Weathers (1–1) || Wagner (3) || 3:02 || 14,596 || 8–8 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 17 || April 17 || 7:06p.m. CDT || Expos || W 5–3 || Halama (1–1) || Hermanson (1–2) || Wagner (4) || 2:31 || 26,485 || 9–8 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 18 || April 18 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Expos || W 4–3 || Henry (1–0) || Batista (0–1) || — || 2:55 || 29,362 || 10–8 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 19 || April 19 || 1:37p.m. CDT || Expos || L 4–5 || Telford (2–0) || Magnante (0–1) || Urbina (4) || 2:57 || 18,484 || 10–9 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 20 || April 21 || || @ Mets || 6–0 || Hampton (4–0) || Reed (1–2) || — ||2:38 || 14,774 || 11–9 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 21 || April 22 || || @ Mets || 7–10 || Cook (2–0) || Henry (1–1) || — ||3:41 || 12,772 || 11–10 || L1 |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| April 23 || || @ Mets || colspan=8 | Postponed (Rain) (Makeup date: April 27) |-style="background:#cfc;" | 22 || April 24 || 6:07p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 8–4 || Lima (3–1) || Valdes (0–3) || — || 2:49 || 8,713 || 12–10 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 23 || April 25 || 6:08p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 4–3 || Magnante (1–1) || Urbina (1–1) || Wagner (5) || 3:11 || 8,489 || 13–10 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 24 || April 26 || 12:38p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 15–0 || Bergman (2–1) || Moore (1–3) || iller (1) || 2:49 || 9,889 || 14–10 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 25 || April 27 || || @ Mets || 4–3 || Nitkowski (1–1) || Franco (0–1) || Wagner (6) ||2:30 || 17,656 || 15–10 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 26 || April 28 || || Mets || 4–3 (10) || Magnante (2–1) || Hudek (0–1) || — ||3:43 || 14,943 || 16–10 || W5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 27 || April 29 || || Mets || 6–1 || Lima (4–1) || Mlicki (0–3) || — ||2:26 || 14,448 || 17–10 || W6 |- |-style="background:#cfc;" | 28 || May 1 || || @ Phillies || 12–5 || Reynolds (2–2) || Beech (0–2) || — ||3:17 || 11,410 || 18–10 || W7 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 29 || May 2 || || @ Phillies || 4–1 || Hampton (5–0) || Schilling (3–3) || Wagner (7) ||2:39 || 18,766 || 19–10 || W8 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 30 || May 3 || || @ Phillies || 3–5 || Gomes (1–0) || Bergman (2–2) || Leiter (2) ||2:52 || 21,288 || 19–11 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 31 || May 5 || || @ Cubs || 10–5 || Lima (5–1) || Clark (2–4) || Nitkowski (2) ||2:44 || 21,431 || 20–11 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 32 || May 6 || || @ Cubs || 0–2 || Wood (3–2) || Reynolds (2–3) || — ||2:19 || 15,758 || 20–12 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 33 || May 8 || || @ Brewers || 1–4 || Juden (4–1) || Hampton (5–1) || Jones (10) ||2:42 || 14,711 || 20–13 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 34 || May 9 || || @ Brewers || 11–6 || Schourek (1–0) || Eldred (0–2) || — ||3:23 || 20,145 || 21–13 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 35 || May 10 || || @ Brewers || 7–1 || Lima (6–1) || Woodard (2–1) || — ||2:33 || 19,023 || 22–13 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 36 || May 11 || || Marlins || 5–2 || Reynolds (3–3) || Hernandez (2–3) || Wagner (8) ||2:50 || 14,110 || 23–13 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 37 || May 12 || || Marlins || 4–2 || Bergman (3–2) || Hammond (0–1) || Wagner (9) ||2:38 || 14,919 || 24–13 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 38 || May 13 || || Pirates || 1–0 || Hampton (6–1) || Lieber (1–5) || Wagner (10) ||2:16 || 14,239 || 25–13 || W5 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 39 || May 14 || || Pirates || 2–7 || Silva (4–3) || Schourek (1–1) || — ||2:36 || 16,123 || 25–14 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 40 || May 15 || || Braves || 2–3 || Neagle (5–1) || Lima (6–2) || Martinez (1) ||2:23 || 38,941 || 25–15 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 41 || May 16 || || Braves || 3–2 || Henry (2–1) || Lightenberg (3–2) || — ||2:34 || 51,526 || 26–15 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 42 || May 17 || || Braves || 8–1 || Bergman (4–2) || Smoltz (4–1) || — ||2:29 || 35,250 || 27–15 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 43 || May 18 || || Braves || 0–4 || Glavine (6–2) || Hampton (6–2) || — ||2:47 || 22,119 || 27–16 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 44 || May 19 || 6:06p.m. CDT || @ Expos || L 2–4 || Perez (3–3) || Schourek (1–2) || Urbina (10) || 2:36 || 9,126 || 27–17 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 45 || May 20 || 6:06p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 4–3 || Henry (3–1) || Telford (2–1) || Wagner (11) || 2:49 || 8,372 || 28–17 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 46 || May 21 || 12:37p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 6–0 || Reynolds (4–3) || Bennett (1–2) || — || 2:55 || 7,601 || 29–17 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 47 || May 22 || || Padres || 6–9 || Miceli (4–1) || Nitkowski (1–2) || Hoffman (14) ||3:12 || 28,550 || 29–18 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 48 || May 23 || || Padres || 4–3 || Miller (2–0) || Miceli (4–2) || Wagner (12) ||2:53 || 36,281 || 30–18 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 49 || May 24 || || Padres || 5–2 || Schourek (2–2) || Hamilton (3–5) || Wagner (13) ||3:02 || 25,701 || 31–18 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 50 || May 25 || 3:07p.m. CDT || Dodgers || L 3–4 (10) || Bruske (1–0) || Scanlan (0–1) || Radinsky (9) || 3:35 || 34,079 || 31–19 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 51 || May 26 || 7:06p.m. CDT || Dodgers || W 13–2 || Reynolds (5–3) || Valdéz (4–6) || — || 2:34 || 16,251 || 32–19 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 52 || May 27 || 6:37p.m. CDT || Dodgers || L 1–3 || Dreifort (3–4) || Bergman (4–3) || Radinsky (10) || 2:50 || 17,190 || 32–20 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 53 || May 29 || 8:05p.m. CDT || @ Rockies || W 7–6 || Hampton (7–2) || Astacio (4–7) || Wagner (14) || 2:59 || 48,325 || 33–20 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 54 || May 30 || 3:06p.m. CDT || @ Rockies || L 3–6 || Thomson (4–5) || Schourek (2–3) || Dipoto (12) || 2:55 || 48,036 || 33–21 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 55 || May 31 || 2:06p.m. CDT || @ Rockies || L 5–7 || McElroy (1–1) || Henry (3–2) || — || 2:40 || 48,097 || 33–22 || L2 |- |-style="background:#cfc;" | 56 || June 2 || || @ Padres || 4–3 || Reynolds (6–3) || Reyes (2–2) || Wagner (15) ||2:43 || 15,735 || 34–22 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 57 || June 3 || || @ Padres || 8–2 || Bergman (5–3) || Hamilton (3–7) || — ||2:43 || 13,229 || 35–22 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 58 || June 4 || || @ Padres || 1–5 || Ashby (7–4) || Hampton (7–3) || — || 2:24|| 21,027 || 35–23 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 59 || June 5 || || Royals || 0–3 || Belcher (5–6) || Schourek (2–4) || Montgomery (10) ||2:36 || 27,895 || 35–24 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 60 || June 6 || || Royals || 6–0 || Lima (7–2) || Rosado (1–5) || — ||2:28 || 25,516 || 36–24 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 61 || June 7 || || Royals || 7–1 || Reynolds (7–3) || Pittsley (0–1) || — ||2:33 || 23,228 || 37–24 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 62 || June 8 || || @ Tigers || 9–5 || Henry (4–2) || Jones (0–2) || — ||3:28 || 11,767 || 38–24 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 63 || June 9 || || @ Tigers || 5–3 || Hampton (8–3) || Jones (0–3) || Wagner (16)||2:43 || 10,871 || 39–24 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 64 || June 10 || || @ Tigers || 10–3 || Schourek (3–4) || Castillo (2–5) || — ||2:35 || 11,471 || 40–24 || W5 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 65 || June 12 || 6:05p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 1–8 || Remlinger (4–7) || Lima (7–3) || — || 2:23 || 21,310 || 40–25 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 66 || June 13 || 6:05p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 4–7 || Klingenbeck (1–1) || Reynolds (7–4) || Shaw (18) || 2:50 || 28,055 || 40–26 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 67 || June 14 || 12:15p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 6–3 (10) || Wagner (1–2) || Shaw (1–4) || — || 3:23 || 22,008 || 41–26 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 68 || June 15 || 6:06p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 13–2 || Magnante (3–1) || Tomko (5–6) || — || 2:56 || 14,556 || 42–26 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 69 || June 16 || || Cardinals || 4–9 || Acevedo (2–1) || Schourek (3–5) || — ||3:10 || 34,822 || 42–27 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 70 || June 17 || || Cardinals || 6–5 || Nitkowski (2–2) || Brantley (0–4) || — ||3:03 || 37,147 || 43–27 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 71 || June 18 || || Cardinals || 6–7 || Bottenfield (2–3) || Reynolds (7–5) || Croushore (1) ||3:05 || 43,806 || 43–28 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 72 || June 19 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Reds || W 4–2 || Bergman (6–3) || Winchester (3–4) || Wagner (17) || 2:38 || 29,251 || 44–28 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 73 || June 20 || 12:18p.m. CDT || Reds || W 9–8 || Nitkowski (3–2) || Krivda (2–1) || Wagner (18) || 3:13 || 24,301 || 45–28 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 74 || June 21 || 1:35p.m. CDT || Reds || W 3–1 || Schourek (4–5) || Harnisch (6–3) || Magnante (1) || 2:57 || 42,281 || 46–28 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 75 || June 22 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Twins || L 3–5 || Milton (4–6) || Lima (7–4) || Aguilera (15) || 2:42 || 23,168 || 46–29 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 76 || June 23 || 12:36p.m. CDT || Twins || W 9–0 || Reynolds (8–5) || Tewksbury (4–9) || — || 2:49 || 27,157 || 47–29 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 77 || June 24 || 8:08p.m. CDT || @ Rockies || L 6–8 || Astacio (5–8) || Bergman (6–4) || Veres (2) || 2:37 || 48,150 || 47–30 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 78 || June 25 || 2:06p.m. CDT || @ Rockies || L 5–6 (12) || Leskanic (4–3) || Magnante (3–2) || — || 3:39 || 48,046 || 47–31 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 79 || June 26 || || @ Indians || 2–4 || Colon (8–4) || Magnante (3–3) || Jackson (17) ||2:58 || 43,222 || 47–32 || L3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 80 || June 27 || || @ Indians || 9–5 (11) || Wagner (2–2) || Mesa (3–4) || — ||3:53 || 43,132 || 48–32 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 81 || June 28 || || @ Indians || 12–3 || Reynolds (9–5) || Nagy (7–4) || Nitkowski (3) ||3:12 || 43,047 || 49–32 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 82 || June 30 || || White Sox || 17–2 || Bergman (7–4) || Navarro (6–10) || — ||2:30 || 26,400 || 50–32 || W3 |- |-style="background:#cfc;" | 83 || July 1 || || White Sox || 10–4 || Schourek (5–5) || Parque (2–2) || — ||2:54 || 29.050 || 51–32 || W4 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 84 || July 2 || || White Sox || 3–4 || Baldwin (3–3) || Lima (7–5) || Simas (4) ||2:25 || 25,344 || 51–33 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 85 || July 3 || || Diamondbacks || 6–5 || Reynolds (10–5) || Benes (6–9) || Wagner (19) ||2:56 || 34,382 || 52–33 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 86 || July 4 || || Diamondbacks || 4–7 || Anderson (6–7) || Hampton (8–4) || — ||2:50 || 31,477 || 52–34 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 87 || July 5 || || Diamondbacks || 5–2 || Bergman (8–4) || Blair (3–12) || Wagner (20) ||3:22 || 23,607 || 53–34 || W1 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbcaff;" |-style="background:#cfc;" | 88 || July 9 || || @ Cardinals || 5–4 || Reynolds (11–5) || Stottlemyre (9–7) || Wagner (21) ||2:52 || 34,398 || 54–34 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 89 || July 10 || || @ Cardinals || 3–6 || King (2–0) || Nitkowski (3–3) || Brantley (13) ||2:31 || 44,655 || 54–35 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 90 || July 11 || || @ Cardinals || 3–4 (11) || Painter (3–0) || Wagner (2–3) || — ||3:01 || 45,760 || 54–36 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 91 || July 12 || || @ Cardinals || 4–6 || Acevedo (4–2) || Bergman (8–5) || Croushore (4) ||2:42 || 45,485 || 54–37 || L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 92 || July 13 || || @ Diamondbacks || 3–5 || Telemaco (3–3) || Schourek (5–6) || Olson (12) ||2:53 || 40,007 || 54–38 || L4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 93 || July 14 || || @ Diamondbacks || 4–2 || Reynolds (12–5) || Daal (3–5) || Wagner (22) ||2:45 || 40,419 || 55–38 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 94 || July 15 || || @ Diamondbacks || 8–9 (11) || Embree (3–0) || Magnante (3–4) || — || 4:00|| 42,229 || 55–39 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 95 || July 17 || 7:06p.m. CDT || Giants || W 10–7 || Lima (8–5) || Rueter (10–5) || — || 2:44 || 40,709 || 56–39 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 96 || July 18 || 3:07p.m. CDT || Giants || W 7–2 || Bergman (9–5) || Darwin (6–7) || — || 2:43 || 35,257 || 57–39 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 97 || July 19 || 1:35p.m. CDT || Giants || W 4–3 (12) || Henry (5–2) || Nen (6–2) || — || 3:47 || 32,900 || 58–39 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 98 || July 20 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Rockies || W 10–9 || Henry (6–2) || Veres (0–1) || — || 3:17 || 25,491 || 59–39 || W4 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 99 || July 21 || 7:05p.m. CDT || Rockies || L 0–5 || Brownson (1–0) || Hampton (8–5) || — || 2:10 || 28,718 || 59–40 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 100 || July 22 || 9:37p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || L 4–6 || Bohanon (3–6) || Lima (8–6) || Shaw (28) || 2:30 || 31,365 || 59–41 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 101 || July 23 || 9:07p.m. CDT || @ Dodgers || W 8–6 (10) || Henry (7–2) || Hall (0–2) || Powell (4) || 3:38 || 40,205 || 60–41 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 102 || July 24 || || @ Padres || 2–1 || Schourek (6–6) || Hitchcock (4–4) || Magnante (2) ||2:34 || 31,047 || 61–41 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 103 || July 25 || || @ Padres || 5–6 || Langston (4–3) || Reynolds (12–6) || Hoffman (33) ||3:04 || 54,176 || 61–42 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 104 || July 26 || || @ Padres || 4–5 (10) || Wall (4–2) || Magnante (3–5) || — ||3:06 || 41,034 || 61–43 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 105 || July 27 || || Marlins || 9–1 || Lima (9–6) || Meadows (9–8) || — ||2:15 || 20,888 || 62–43 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 106 || July 28 || || Marlins || 7–3 || Bergman (10–5) || Ojala (1–1) || — ||2:47 || 26,220 || 63–43 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 107 || July 29 || || Marlins || 10–6 || Schourek (7–6) || Larkin (2–6) || Elarton (1) ||2:45 || 21,870 || 64–43 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 108 || July 30 || || Marlins || 3–4 || Hernandez (9–7) || Reynolds (12–7) || — ||2:35 || 33,303 || 64–44 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 109 || July 31 || || @ Pirates || 7–4 || Hampton (9–5) || Cordova (9–9) || Henry (2) ||3:00 || 32,476 || 65–44 || W1 |- |-style="background:#cfc;" | 110 || August 1 || || @ Pirates || 2–1 || Lima (10–6) || Williams (2–1) || — ||2:49 || 19,783 || 66–44 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 111 || August 2 || || @ Pirates || 6–2 || Johnson (10–10) || Christiansen (1–2) || Elarton (2) ||2:35 || 21,201 || 67–44 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 112 || August 3 || || @ Marlins || 3–11 || Larkin (3–6) || Bergman (10–6) || Mantei (5) ||3:25 || 14,484 || 67–45 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 113 || August 4 || || @ Marlins || 9–5 || Reynolds (13–7) || Hernandez (9–8) || — ||3:19 || 14,586 || 68–45 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 114 || August 5 || || @ Marlins || 3–5 || Sanchez (5–6) || Hampton (9–6) || Mantei (6) ||2:46 || 19,038 || 68–46 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 115 || August 7 || || Phillies || 9–0 || Johnson (11–10) || Welch (0–2) || — ||2:21 || 52,071 || 69–46 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 116 || August 8 || || Phillies || 7–6 || Henry (8–2) || Leiter (6–3) || — ||2:52 || 42,523 || 70–46 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 117 || August 9 || || Phillies || 11–2 || Reynolds (14–7) || Beech (3–9) || — ||2:54 || 28,651 || 71–46 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 118 || August 10 || || Brewers || 5–2 || Elarton (1–0) || Fox (0–3) || Wagner (23) ||2:32 || 18,995 || 72–46 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 119 || August 11 || || Brewers || 6–5 (10) || Magnante (4–5) || Plunk (3–2) || — ||3:30 || 20,553 || 73–46 || W5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 120 || August 12 || || Brewers || 3–0 || Johnson (12–10) || Woodall (5–7) || — ||2:39 || 40,217 || 74–46 || W6 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 121 || August 13 || || Brewers || 6–2 || Lima (11–6) || Woodard (9–7) || — ||2:20 || 21,218 || 75–46 || W7 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 122 || August 14 || || Cubs || 4–6 || Clark (7–11) || Reynolds (14–8) || Beck (35) ||2:53 || 45,040 || 75–47 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 123 || August 15 || || Cubs || 5–4 (11) || Wagner (3–3) || Mulholland (3–3) || — ||3:32 || 52,003 || 76–47 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 124 || August 16 || || Cubs || 1–2 (11) || Karchner (3–4) || Powell (4–5) || Beck (36) ||3:15 || 52,199 || 76–48 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 125 || August 17 || || @ Phillies || 0–4 || Byrd (1–0) || Johnson (12–11) || — ||2:27 || 18,975 || 76–49 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 126 || August 18 || || @ Phillies || 8–2 || Lima (12–6) || Grace (4–6) || — ||2:58 || 17,541 || 77–49 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 127 || August 19 || || @ Phillies || 4–3 || Reynolds (15–8) || Leiter (6–4) || Wagner (24) ||2:44 || 21,341 || 78–49 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 128 || August 20 || || @ Brewers || 5–6 (10) || Wickman (6–6) || Magnante (4–6) || — ||3:46 || 17,589 || 78–50 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 129 || August 21 || || @ Brewers || 5–2 || Bergman (11–6) || Pulsipher (1–1) || Powell (5) ||3:00 || 26,820 || 79–50 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 130 || August 22 || || @ Cubs || 8–3 || Johnson (13–11) || Wengert (1–3) || — ||3:00 || 39,886 || 80–50 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 131 || August 23 || || @ Cubs || 13–3 || Lima (13–6) || Trachsel (13–7) || — ||3:08 || 38,714 || 81–50 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 132 || August 24 || || @ Cubs || 12–3 || Reynolds (16–8) || Clark (7–12) || — ||2:58 || 34,711 || 82–50 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 133 || August 25 || || Braves || 3–2 || Hampton (10–6) || Millwood (14–8) || Wagner (25) ||2:24 || 32,157 || 83–50 || W5 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 134 || August 26 || || Braves || 2–6 || Smoltz (13–2) || Bergman (11–7) || — ||2:48 || 32,651 || 83–51 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 135 || August 28 || || Pirates || 2–0 || Johnson (14–11) || Cordova (12–11) || — ||2:23 || 40,709 || 84–51 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 136 || August 29 || || Pirates || 6–3 || Lima (14–6) || Schmidt (11–10) || Powell (6) ||2:39 || 41,762 || 85–51 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 137 || August 30 || || Pirates || 11–4 || Reynolds (17–8) || McCurry (1–3) || — ||3:12 || 25,342 || 86–51 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 138 || August 31 || || @ Braves || 4–3 || Powell (5–5) || Smoltz (13–3) || Wagner (26) ||2:43 || 33,883 || 87–51 || W4 |- |-style="background:#fcc;" | 139 || September 1 || || @ Braves || 4–6 || Neagle (14–11) || Elarton (1–1) || Lightenberg (25) ||3:06 || 31,168 || 87–52 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 140 || September 2 || || @ Braves || 4–2 || Johnson (15–11) || Maddux (17–7) || Wagner (27) ||2:22 || 46,238 || 88–52 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 141 || September 4 || || @ Diamondbacks || 1–3 || Telemaco (6–8) || Lima (14–7) || Olson (26) ||2:27 || 41,396 || 88–53 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 142 || September 5 || || @ Diamondbacks || 6–5 (12) || Wagner (4–3) || Embree (4–1) || — ||4:05 || 43,638 || 89–53 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 143 || September 6 || || @ Diamondbacks || 10–1 || Hampton (11–6) || Daal (7–10) || — ||3:02 || 44,076 || 90–53 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 144 || September 7 || 4:06p.m. CDT || Reds || W 1–0 || Johnson (16–11) || Parris (4–4) || — || 2:07 || 42,787 || 91–53 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 145 || September 8 || 7:06p.m. CDT || Reds || W 13–7 || Bergman (12–7) || Bere (4–8) || — || 3:13 || 16,574 || 92–53 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 146 || September 9 || || Brewers || 6–2 || Lima (15–7) || Woodard (9–11) || Wagner (28) ||2:29 || 24,462 || 93–53 || W5 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 147 || September 10 || || Brewers || 7–1 || Reynolds (18–8) || Karl (9–9) || — ||2:54 || 20,813 || 94–53 || W6 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 148 || September 11 || || Cardinals || 8–2 || Powell (6–5) || Morris (5–5) || — ||2:34 || 52,186 || 95–53 || W7 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 149 || September 12 || || Cardinals || 3–2 || Johnson (17–11) || Oliver (9–10) || Wagner (29) ||2:36 || 52,493 || 96–53 || W8 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 150 || September 13 || || Cardinals || 2–3 || Mercker (11–11) || Bergman (12–8) || Acevedo (9) ||2:40 || 52,338 || 96–54 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 151 || September 14 || || Mets || 4–7 (13) || McMichael (4–4) || Magnante (4–7) || Franco (37) ||4:08 || 24,241 || 96–55 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 152 || September 15 (1) || || Mets || 6–5 (12) || Powell (7–5) || Tam (1–1) || — ||3:53 || — || 97–55 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 153 || September 15 (2) || || Mets || 4–8 || Leiter (16–5) || Powell (7–6) || Wendell (3) ||3:19 || 40,835 || 97–56 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 154 || September 16 || || Mets || 3–4 (11) || McMichael (5–4) || Bergman (12–9) || Wendell (4) ||4:05 || 24,269 || 97–57 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 155 || September 18 || || @ Pirates || 5–2 || Johnson (18–11) || Dessens (2–5) || Powell (7) ||2:47 || 16,937 || 98–57 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 156 || September 19 || || @ Pirates || 1–7 || Cordova (13–13) || Lima (15–8) || — ||2:21 || 20,670 || 98–58 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 157 || September 20 || || @ Pirates || 2–0 || Reynolds (19–8) || Schmidt (11–13) || Wagner (30) ||2:32 || 23,657 || 99–58 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 158 || September 22 || || @ Cardinals || 0–4 || Morris (7–5) || Hampton (11–7) || — ||2:15 || 40,739 || 99–59 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 159 || September 23 || || @ Cardinals || 7–1 || Johnson (19–11) || Oliver (10–11) || — ||3:05 || 38,997 || 100–59 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 160 || September 25 || || Cubs || 6–2 || Lima (16–8) || Tapani (19–9) || — ||2:38 || 51,831 || 101–59 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 161 || September 26 || || Cubs || 2–3 || Clark (9–14) || Powell (7–7) || Beck (50) ||2:50 || 51,950 || 101–60 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 162 || September 27 || || Cubs || 4–3 (11) || Elarton (2–1) || Beck (3–4) || — ||3:30 || 51,916 || 102–60 || W1 |-

Detailed records

Postseason Game log

|-style="background:#fcc;" | 1 || September 29 || 3:07p.m. CDT || Padres || L 1–2 || Brown (1–0) || Johnson (0–1) || Hoffman (1) || 2:38 || 50,080 || SD 1–0 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 2 || October 1 || 3:07p.m. CDT || Padres || W 5–4 || Wagner (1–0) || Miceli (0–1) || – || 2:53 || 45,550 || Tied 1–1 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 3 || October 3 || 10:07p.m. CDT || @ Padres || L 1–2 || Miceli (1–1) || Elarton (0–1) || Hoffman (2) || 2:32 || 65,235 || SD 2–1 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 4 || October 4 || 6:37p.m. CDT || @ Padres || L 1–6 || Hitchcock (1–0) || Johnson (0–2) || – || 2:39 || 64,898 || SD 3–1 || L2 |-

Major League Baseball draft

;Houston Astros 1998 MLB draft selections

• Round 1 – no. 17: Brad Lidge – RHP • Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana • Signed • Career
• Round 1(supp) – no. 37: Mike Nannini – RHP • Green Valley High School, Henderson, Nevada • Signed • Career
• Round 3 – no. 92: Brad Busbin – RHP • Dr. Phillips High School, Dr. Phillips, Florida • Not signed • Career
• Round 4 – no. 122: Jason Van Meetren – OF • Bishop Gorman High School, Las Vegas, NV • Not signed • Career
• Round 5 – no. 152: Scott Barrett – LHP • San Jacinto College, Pasadena, Texas • Signed • Career
• Round 6 – no. 182: Dave Matranga – SS • Pepperdine, Malibu, California • Signed • Career
• Round 7 – no. 212: John Buck – C • Taylorsville High School, Taylorsville, Utah • Signed • Career
• Round 8 – no. 242: Jesse Joyce – 3B • Cal State, Los Angeles • Signed • Career
• Round 9 – no. 272: Morgan Ensberg – 3B • Souther California, Los Angeles • Signed • Career

Statistics

Batting

Starters by position

Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Other batters

Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in

Pitching

Starting pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

Relief pitchers

Note: G = Games pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts

National League Divisional Playoffs

Main article: 1998 National League Division Series

Houston Astros vs. San Diego Padres

The Astros season ended by defeat in four games to the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, including losing two starts against Kevin Brown – one of the league's highest-accomplished pitchers that year – both by a 2–1 score. As the Game 1 starter opposing Randy Johnson, Brown allowed no runs in eight innings and struck out 16 Astros, a career-high, and second to that point in MLB playoff history only to Bob Gibson's 17-strikeout performance in the 1968 World Series. Bagwell, Derek Bell, and Craig Biggio combined for six hits in 51 at bats in this series.

Awards and achievements

Grand slams

Career honors

Annual awards

• Associated Press (AP) All-Star—Second base: Craig Biggio
• Baseball America Manager of the Year: Larry Dierker
• Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service to Baseball: Dennis Liborio
• Houston-Area Major League Player of the Year: Roger Clemens (TOR)
• Houston Astros Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award: Craig Biggio
• Houston Astros Pitcher of the Year: Shane Reynolds
• Houston Astros Rookie of the Year: Scott Elarton
• MLB All-Star Game:
  • Starting second baseman—Craig Biggio
  • Home Run Derby contestant / Reserve outfielder—Moisés Alou
• NL Manager of the Year: Larry Dierker
• 2× National League (NL) Pitcher of the Month – August—September: Randy Johnson
• NL Player of the Week
  • May 31—Moisés Alou
  • August 2—José Lima
• Silver Slugger Awards:
  • Second base: Craig Biggio
  • Outfield: Moisés Alou
• The Sporting News Executive of the Year: Gerry Hunsicker
• The Sporting News NL All-Stars:
  • Second baseman—Craig Biggio
  • Outfielder—Moisés Alou

Offensive achievements

Pitching achievements

League leaders

;NL batting leaders

• Doubles: Craig Biggio (51—led MLB)
• Plate appearances: Craig Biggio (738)
• Sacrifice flies: Derek Bell (10)

;NL pitching leaders

• Games started: Shane Reynolds (35)
• Shutouts: Randy Johnson (6—led MLB)
• Strikeout-to-walk ratio (K/BB): José Lima (5.28)
• Strikeouts: Randy Johnson (329—led MLB)

Minor league system

;Championships

• New York–Penn League champion: Auburn
• Pacific Coast League champion: New Orleans Zyphers

;Awards

• Baseball America First Team Minor League All-Star—Outfielder: Lance Berkman
• Houston Astros Minor League Player of the Year: Lance Berkman, OF
• Texas League All-Star—Outfielder: Lance Berkman

References

;Footnotes

;Sources

References

1. "Moisés Alou stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more". [[Baseball-Reference.com]].
2. "Rob Butler stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more". Baseball-Reference.com.
3. (March 31, 1998). "San Francisco Giants (9) vs Houston Astros (4) box score". [[Baseball Almanac]].
4. "1998 Houston Astros uniform numbers". Baseball-Reference.com.
5. "Houston Astros Opening Day starters". Baseball-Reference.com.
6. "NL on-base streak record". [[Sports Reference]], LLC.
7. "Craig Biggio 1998 batting game logs". Baseball-Reference.com.
8. Snyder, Matt. (May 6, 2013). "Happy 15th anniversary: Kerry Wood's 20 strikeout game". [[CBSSports.com]].
9. Schonfield, David. (May 18, 2012). "Kerry Wood and the greatest game pitched". [[ESPN.com]] (go.com).
10. (May 1, 2018). "Kerry Wood and 'the greatest game ever pitched': The oral history of May 6, 1998, at Wrigley Field". [[Chicago Tribune]].
11. "Houston Astros (0) vs Chicago Cubs (2) box score". Baseball-Reference.com.
12. Robertson, Dale. (July 30, 2018). "Really big deal: The Astros' trade for Randy Johnson, 20 years later". [[Houston Chronicle]].
13. "Jeff Bagwell 1998 batting game logs". Baseball-Reference.com.
14. Schwartzberg, Seth. (June 14, 2025). "Today in Astros history - June 14". [[SB Nation]].
15. Schwartzberg, Seth. (June 17, 2025). "Today in Astros history - June 17". SB Nation.
16. "Astros history – Timeline". [[MLB.com]].
17. "Houston Astros All-Star player register". Baseball-Refererence.com.
18. "Houston Astros Hall of Fame register". Baseball-Reference.com.
19. Rappoport, Ken. (October 3, 1981). "Astros lose game, and Don Sutton". [[The Day (New London).
20. Hulsey, Bob. "This date in Astros history". Astros Daily.
21. Pappas, Nicole. "Sutton's career comes full circle with the Dodgers". Baseball Hall of Fame.
22. "Randy Johnson stats, age, position, height, weight, fantasy & more". MLB.com.
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