The Associated Press

CHICAGO - After electrifying baseball by striking out 20 batters in only his fifth major-league start, Kerry Wood got many congratulatory phone calls.

One stood out.

It came from the only big-league pitcher to dominate a game the way Wood did. Roger Clemens, who was on the other end of the phone, also fanned 20 batters in a nine-inning game. Twice. Ten years apart.

Clemens and Wood could hook up for some more history today. Unlike that call five years ago, they can talk in person this time. Two tall Texans with sizzling fastballs tangling at Wrigley Field.

The veteran Clemens, at 40, will be going for his 300th win, the number that defines all great pitchers and a feat that would cap his Hall of Fame career in what he says is his final season.

Wood, now 25, will be trying to get his elusive 50th victory. He hasn't won since late April.

Clemens failed in his first two attempts to get No. 300, including Sunday, when the Yankees blew a 7-1 lead in Detroit.

"I'd like to get it done, so we can cut down on the travel and the hoopla that goes with it," said Clemens, adding he expects 40 family and friends to be in attendance.

"I appreciate the fact everybody is excited about it. I am, too."

New York's history at Wrigley Field includes the 1932 World Series, another Yankees sweep that featured Babe Ruth's so-called called shot off Charlie Root.

"Wrigley is a special place," Yankees manager Joe Torre said.

"You think about Roger Clemens, the consummate American Leaguer, trying to win his 300th here in a National League park. But I guess if you gotta pick a National League park to do it, this would be pretty memorable."