1989 NLCS Game 5
Cubs win NL East, fall to Giants in five-game NLCS.
The 1989 Chicago Cubs season was the 118th season of the franchise, the 114th in the National League and 74th season at Wrigley Field. The Cubs were managed by Don Zimmer in his second season as manager and played their home games at Wrigley Field as members of National League East.
- Series Outcome
- San Francisco Giants win 4 games to 2
- Venue
- Wrigley Field, Chicago
- Key Moment
- Cubs' collapse in the bottom of the eighth inning following a throwing error by Shawon Dunston that sailed past third baseman Ron Cey
- Cubs Manager
- Don Zimmer
- Giants Manager
- Roger Craig
- Series Status Before Game 5
- Cubs led 3-1
Lore & Background
The Cubs finished the season 93–69 to win the NL East for the second time in franchise history, battling the St. Louis Cardinals into the last week of the season. The Cubs lost the NLCS four games to one to the San Francisco Giants, who proved to be more dominant with a strong hitting presence.
In Their Own Story
The wind whipped off Lake Michigan, swirling through the bleachers as the eighth inning began with the Cubs clinging to a fragile lead. The air felt heavy, static before the storm. Shawon Dunston scooped up a sharp ground ball, his eyes locked on second for the force out. He wound up and fired—a throw that should have been routine—but it skipped past third baseman Ron Cey's glove like a stone skipping water. In the blink of an eye, the dream of '89 evaporated, leaving only the echo of Oakland's celebration and the crushing weight of history settling back onto the North Side.
Reader's Guide
Game 5 of the NLCS took place on October 9 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. The Giants made it to their first World Series since 1962 with a 3–2 win over the Cubs to win the 1989 National League pennant, four games to one. The final game pitted Mike Bielecki against a well-rested (due to his quick exit from Game 2) Rick Reuschel. Reuschel made amends for his poor start in Game 2 by giving up only one run over eight innings. The one run Reuschel gave up was an unearned run the Cubs scored when Walton reached on an error by Mitchell and then scored on Sandberg's double. The Cubs held the 1–0 lead until the seventh inning when Will Clark tripled and scored on Mitchell's sacrifice fly. The Cubs did rally, however, in the ninth with three straight singles that made it 3–2. But Sandberg grounded out sending the Giants to their first World Series since 1962.
Did You Know?
- The Cubs had All-Star seasons from Ryne Sandberg, Andre Dawson, Rick Sutcliffe, and closing pitcher Mitch Williams.
- The 1989 NL Rookie of the Year was Chicago's very own Jerome Walton, who proved himself to be a dependable centerfielder.
- Ryne Sandberg was the National League leader in runs with 104.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during 1989 NLCS Game 5?
This game marked the moment the Chicago Cubs lost a commanding three-games-to-one series lead against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. A late-inning collapse allowed San Francisco to win, forcing two additional games before ultimately clinching the pennant.
Why is Shawon Dunston remembered in this specific match?
Dunston committed a critical throwing error in the bottom of the eighth inning that sailed past third baseman Ron Cey. This mistake ignited a rally that erased Chicago's lead and shifted momentum toward San Francisco.
Who managed the teams during this series?
Don Zimmer led the Chicago Cubs while Roger Craig managed the opposing San Francisco Giants squad. Both managers oversaw a dramatic playoff battle that extended beyond the expected conclusion.
What was the final result of the 1989 NLCS?
After losing Game 5, Chicago could not recover as the San Francisco Giants won the series four games to two. This outcome denied the Cubs a trip to the World Series for another generation.
Where was this pivotal game played?
The contest took place at Wrigley Field in Chicago under overcast skies. It remains one of the most painful memories associated with that historic ballpark due to the missed opportunity.
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