The 15th unassisted triple play in major league history was turned by Phillies second baseman Eric Bruntlett on Sunday, ending Philadelphia's 9-7 victory at Citi Field. According to STATS, it was only the second unassisted triple play that ended a game; the first feat was accomplished by Johnny Neun for the Tigers way, way back in 1927.Watching the play, it really seemed like just awful luck for Mets outfielder Jeff Francoeur, who hit a line drive up the middle that looked like a single off the bat. With runners on first and second both trying to steal, Bruntlett happened to be in perfect position when he moved over to cover second.
"Frenchy hit it on the screws," Murphy said. "It happened so fast there was nothing I could do."
Francoeur threw down his helmet with both hands in frustration and Phillies closer Brad Lidge escaped with his 25th save of the season.
"Even with the runners going I did not expect him to be there. The only place he could catch the ball was where he was," Francoeur said. To end the way it did was a little disheartening."
It was the first unassisted triple play since Cleveland second baseman Asdrubal Cabrera turned one in May 2008 against Toronto.
"What a bizarre ending. I don't know what happened there. The game's over, so I'm happy with that," Lidge said. "That was pretty exciting. That's definitely not the way you draw it up."
The secondary storyline was that Bruntlett's triple play preserved a win for Pedro Martinez (2-0) in his return to New York. The 37-year-old hurler gave up four runs and struck out five over six innings of work.
In total, it was definitely not a good game for Mets fans to witness. Then again, not many have been this season.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
Hat tip for video: TheFightins.com
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-23-2009 @ 9:05PM
matthewb6260 said...
lets go mets i like the mets and i hope i come to see u
Reply
8-23-2009 @ 10:04PM
Frank and Angela said...
GO FIGHTIN' PHILS!!!
Reply
8-23-2009 @ 10:27PM
Mr Brown said...
Sweet play by anyone. Today was his day.
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8-24-2009 @ 12:38AM
Ryan said...
Absolutely amazing
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8-24-2009 @ 7:10AM
Karen said...
WOW
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8-24-2009 @ 8:22AM
dribalz said...
Not a good game for Mets fans to witness?? Are you kidding me--I was there and it was one of the best games I've seen. I'm a diehard Mets fan too Sure, they lost, but you knew that would happen anyway--hey, these are the Mets--they stink this season. But the way they fought back, the inside the park homerun and another one by Pagan. Great! Only the second unassisted triple play to end a game in major league history--WOW! It was a great game to witness that history.
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8-24-2009 @ 10:28AM
bbromjue said...
Watch the video: He had already touched second and come off the bag BEFORE he caught the ball. Then he tagged the runner from first. The ump seems to be pointing at second base, and perhaps Bruntlett then tagged the base, but it's out of the video so I can't tell. In any case that would have been the third out, not the tag of the baserunner from first. Interesting.
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8-24-2009 @ 10:36AM
bbromjue said...
My mistake, after watching on full screen from the other camera angle later in the video, I stand corrected. Great play and a great memory for a ballplayer unlucky enough to have baseball's best second baseman to ahead of him on the depth chart.