Remembering Mets History (2003) Steve Trachsel Tosses His Second One Hitter of the Season

Monday August 18th, 2003: In an afternoon matinee at Shea the fifth place Mets (54-69) hosted Clint Hurdle's fourth place Colorado Rockies (61-66).

The Mets were on a five-game win streak & after today's victory, would have their biggest win streak of the year at six. They had two different eight game losing streaks in the dismal year where they finished fifth under manager Art Howe (66-95).

A crowd of 23,865 came to Shea Stadium &as Steve Trachsel (11-7) the Mets winningest pitcher that season go up against Chin-hui Tsao (2-0)

Steve Trachsel didn't get his first strike out until the 4th inning, but he also did not allow a hit until the 6th inning.

After getting Charles Johnson to ground out, Tony Womack attempted a bunt to get on, but Trachsel fielded it cleanly & retired the out.

But the no hit bid was spoiled when the Rockies pitcher, of all people, Chin-hui Tsao doubled to centerfield. In his six-year career Tsao had just three hits in 14 at bats, two of them were doubles.

The crowd gasped, gave Trachsel a nice ovation, as he went about his business.

Trachsel retired the next nine batters until Greg Norton reached on an error in the 9th inning. Trachsel did not walk anyone in the game & struck out three, earning his 12th win of the year to go to 12-7 with a 4.20 ERA.

Trivia: This was the 26th one hitter thrown in Mets history. Trachsel had thrown a one hitter two months prior on June 15th against the Anaheim Angles with David Eckstein getting the lone hit. Two days later Jae Seo, David Weathers & Armando Benitez combined for a one hitter over the Florida Marlins.

Tonight, The Mets supported Trachsel with eight runs, starting out with a Mike Piazza two run HR in the 1st inning. It was Piazza's 9th HR of the year in a year where he missed over three months of action due to injuries. 

In the 3rd inning, Jason Phillips added a two-run blast making it 4-0.

In the Mets 6th inning, the Mets sent nine men to the plate, three straight singles from Joe McEwing, Trachsel & Roger Cedeno made it 5-0. Then, Jose Reyes walked to load them up, Mike Piazza reached on a fielder's choice making it 6-0. Then Cliff Floyd drove in the final runs with a base hit to left field.

Trivia: Trachsel would lead the Mets in wins that year going 16-10, one game better than Al Leiter at 15-10.