After coming unusually close to getting swept by the Orioles earlier in the week, the 1998 Yankees looked to be starting another streak, salvaging the series finale against Baltimore and taking the series opener over Cleveland. With David Cone on the mound and pitching out of his mind lately, the club seemed poised to start ripping off wins yet again. Cone had won his previous four starts with a 1.50 ERA in that span, with a 14-strikeout game and a 12-strikeout performance highlighting the run.
But just as Cone seemed to be locking in, he took another step back in Cleveland.