Remembering Mets History: (1973) Tom Seaver Throws A Two Hit Shut Out

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Wednesday August 15th 1973: The New York Mets were seven & half games out of first place (53-65) sitting in the basement of the NL East. They were soon to begin an incredible September surge winning the Division, the National League pennant & falling one game short of the World Series title. 

 But on this day Mets manager Yogi Berra sent his 1973 Cy Young Award winner; Tom Seaver to the mound in San Diego, to face Don Zimmer's last place Padres (43-77). The Friars were 32 1/2 games out of first place behind the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Big Red Machine in Cincinnati would eventually take the West from the Dodgers. Tom Seaver's opponent on the day was Steve Arlin (7-10).

Starting Lineups



 The Mets began the game with a lead off HR from Wayne Garrett, his 9th of the year to make 1-0.

In the Met 4th inning, John Milner walked, Cleon Jones singled & Ken Boswell reached on an error to load the bases. 

Steve Arlin then walked Don Hahn bringing in the Mets second run. Jerry Grote followed with a grand slam HR,  after being down so long with injury, Grote returned and began his hot hitting that would help the Mets in the final stages of the '73 regular season. It was his first HR of the year, putting the Mets up an easy 6-0. In the 5th Cleon Jones also hit a HR, his 5th of the year, as he too had suffered injuries & missed a lot of playing time.


With a comfortable 7-0 lead, Tom Seaver went about his business on the mound. Going into the 5th inning, Seaver was once again flirting with a no hitter. He had good stuff but the no hitter was not in the cards once again.

In the home 5th with two outs, Derrell Thomas singled to center field, ending the no no bid. In the 6th inning Jerry Morales would also single, spoiling the one hitter. 

 Seaver cruised through the rest of the game, finishing with a two hit shut out. He struck out seven & walked just one batter, earning his 15th win of the year. He was now posting the best ERA in the game at 1.78 as well.

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