Remembering Mets History (2003) Steve Trachsel Tosses His Second One Hit Shutout 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)

In the top of the 1st, Steve Trachsel retired the side in order. 

In the bottom of the 1st, with one out Jose Reyes singled to center. Mike Piazza followed with a two-run HR his ninth HR of the year.

Piazza Trivia: Mike Piazza had missed three months of action with injuries. He had returned just five days earlier, hitting a two run HR & driving in five runs upon his return.    

In the bottom of the 3rd, Jose Reyes collected his second single & stole his12th base of the season. Reyes was in his first MLB season having been promoted in early June.

Mets first baseman, Jason Phillips then hit a two run HR giving Trachsel & the Mets a 4-0 lead.

Trachsel rolled thru the first three innings. In the top of the 4th inning, he collected his first strike out & retired the first 12 batters of the game. 

In the top of the 5th, Trachsel struck out Larry Walker to start the inning then retired the next two batters setting down the first 15 batters.

In the top of the 6th inning after getting Charles Johnson to ground out, Tony Womack attempted a bunt to get on, but Trachsel fielded it cleanly, threw to Jason Phillips at first & retired his 17th batter in a row.

But the no hit bid was spoiled when the Rockies pitcher, 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 put his head down took a deep breath & 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.

In The bottom of the 6th, the Mets had a two out ally with base hits from Joe McEwing & Trachsel himself. Roger Cedeno then singled scoring McEwing. 

After Jose Reyes walked, Mike Piazza's fielder's choice scored Trachsel & a throwing error allowed the speedy Reyes to score the Mets seventh run. Cliff Floyd finished the scoring with an RBI base hit making it 8-0.

Trivia: This was the 26th one hit game thrown by a Mets pitcher in franchise history. On June 15th, Trachsel had thrown a one hitter two months prior against the Anaheim Angles, with David Eckstein getting the lone hit. 

Two days later on June 17th, Jae Seo, David Weathers & Armando Benitez combined for a one hit shut out over the Florida Marlins.

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