Coach praises clutch effort

By Eric Boyum, On-Line Forty-Niner

Thursday, October 1, 1998

Former Long Beach State pitcher Steve Trachsel pitched the Chicago Cubs into the playoffs with a scoreless six-inning performance against the San Francisco Giants. Trachsel recorded win No. 15 of the season, in a winner-take-all contest against the Giants.

"He threw very well," LBSU baseball head coach Dave Snow said. "We are very proud of him."

Trachsel, who has become a regular on television for serving Mark McGwire his record-breaking 62nd home run, has responded by leading his team to the playoffs for the first time since 1989. Trachsel's college coach called him prior to the game against the Giants to offer his support.

"It was the first time I've ever called him before a game," Snow said. "I just wanted to tell him that every one at The Beach was thinking of him and knew he would do his best."

Trachsel pitched one year for the 49ers in 1991. He led the team to the College World Series with his 148 innings of work - a 49er record that still remains - and was drafted by the Cubs in the eighth round.

"Steve is kind of intense, not overly outgoing and into his profession," Snow said. "He is not a happy-go-lucky guy."

That intensity will need to be present when the Cubs face the Atlanta Braves in a best-of-five playoff series this week. Trachsel is due to pitch next in Chicago this weekend.