Yesterday's Phillies-Mets game ended with utility infielder Eric Bruntlett making an unassisted triple play. The score was 9-7 Phillies with runners on 1st and 2nd, a run in and no outs. The runners were going when Jeff Francoeur hit a line drive. Bruntlett was running toward 2nd to cover the bag; he caught the ball (out #1), stepped on the bag (out #2), and then chased and tagged the runner coming from first (out #3).

This was the 15th unassisted triple play in modern major league history, and only the second to end the game.

What made the whole thing more amazing was what led to it. With two outs in the top of the ninth, Bruntlett, who's having a terrible season, but already had 3 hits in the game, hit a ball to right. Francoeur apparently caught it at the ground, but the umpire called it a trap and said Bruntlett was safe. Francoeur, believing he'd caught the ball, didn't throw it in right away, so Bruntlett ran all the way to third. The umpires then conferred, and ended up calling Bruntlett out. (Not clear under what rule they did that since the closest umpire had called him safe, and replay isn't allowed in this situation.)

The bottom of the ninth began with an error by Ryan Howard, followed by an error by Bruntlett, allowing a run to score. Then Bruntlett (usually a pretty good infielder) muffed another play, which led to the set-up for the triple play.

This game also included an inside-the-park home run, and the Mets starter being pulled on a 3-0 count to the opposing pitcher (Pedro Martinez).

Just another day at the ballpark.

Tamar