What Is 2018 NL Wild Card Game

Overview

The 2018 National League Wild Card Game was a high-stakes, single-elimination matchup between two playoff contenders: the Chicago Cubs and the Colorado Rockies. Held on October 2, 2018, at Wrigley Field, the game determined which team would advance to face the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Division Series.

The Cubs secured their spot by finishing second in the NL Central with a 95–67 record, while the Rockies earned the second NL Wild Card with a 91–72 record. The winner would move on in the postseason, making this a do-or-die contest.

• Game Date: The game occurred on October 2, 2018, starting at 7:30 PM CT, marking the first Wild Card Game hosted by the Cubs.
• Location: Played at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, which hosted its first postseason game since 2016.
• Final Score: The Cubs defeated the Rockies 2–1 in 13 innings, the longest Wild Card Game in MLB history by innings.
• Attendance: A sold-out crowd of 41,523 fans filled the stadium, creating one of the loudest postseason atmospheres in recent memory.
• Broadcast: The game was televised nationally on ESPN, drawing over 40 million viewers, one of the highest ratings for a Wild Card contest.

How It Works

The MLB Wild Card Game is a one-game playoff introduced in 2012 to expand postseason access, featuring two non-division-winning teams with the best records in each league.

• Format: A single-elimination game between the two Wild Card teams in each league, with the winner advancing to the Division Series.
• Home Field: The team with the better regular-season record hosts the game, giving the Cubs home advantage due to their 95 wins.
• Extra Innings: Since 2018, MLB has used a runner-on-second rule starting in the 10th inning, though it wasn't adopted until 2020, so it did not apply here.
• Starting Pitchers:Jon Lester started for Chicago; Kyle Freeland for Colorado, both delivering strong performances early.
• Game Duration: Lasting 4 hours and 39 minutes, it became the longest NL Wild Card Game by time and innings.
• Winning Run: Scored on a wild pitch by Wade Davis in the 13th inning, allowing Anthony Rizzo to cross home plate.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key statistics and outcomes from the 2018 NL Wild Card Game and other recent Wild Card matchups.

The 2018 game stands out due to its length and tension, contrasting with quicker, lower-scoring contests in 2016 and 2014. Its dramatic finish highlighted the unpredictability of the Wild Card format.

Why It Matters

The 2018 NL Wild Card Game had lasting implications for both franchises and the broader MLB postseason structure, emphasizing the value of home-field advantage and bullpen management.

• Postseason Momentum: The Cubs’ win gave them momentum heading into the NLDS, though they ultimately lost to the Brewers in five games.
• Rockies’ Struggles: Colorado remained 0–6 all-time in postseason games, reinforcing their reputation for underperforming in October.
• Managerial Decisions: Joe Maddon’s use of relievers in high-leverage spots was praised, especially keeping closer Brandon Morrow fresh.
• Historic Length: The 13-inning duration set a record, prompting future discussions about potential extra-inning rule changes.
• TV Ratings Boost: ESPN saw a 27% increase in viewership compared to 2017, proving the format’s appeal to fans.
• Legacy of Rizzo: Anthony Rizzo’s game-winning run solidified his status as a clutch postseason performer for the Cubs.

The game remains a memorable chapter in MLB playoff history, showcasing the drama and pressure inherent in the winner-takes-all format.