The Philadelphia Phillies accomplished a rare feat Monday in Detroit, thanks in part to a serious mistake by the Tigers.
The Phillies turned into a triple play in the third inning of their 8-1 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park, which marked the first successful triple play in the league this season. It was also the first triple play the Phillies managed since 2017 and the first 1-3-5 triple play in the Major Leagues since 1929. according to Jayson Stark of The Athletic. Surprisingly, that triple play was also done by the Tigers in Detroit.
With the Phillies up 4-0, Detroit’s Matt Vierling hit a line drive off Philadelphia pitcher Aaron Nola after breaking his bat. After successfully catching to record the first out, Nola threw the ball to first to throw out catcher Carson Kelly after he had already escaped to second.
Then, with plenty of time to spare, the Phillies threw him to third base to complete the final out of the inning, as shortstop Zach McKinstry had already raced home from third. It appeared that McKinstry didn’t realize what had happened, as he had already passed home plate before the Phillies even threw to third base.
Thus, the Tigers wasted a great opportunity to get on the board and made unfortunate history in the process.
The Phillies took a 4-0 lead almost instantly on Monday to open the three-game series against the Tigers. Bryce Harper hit a two-RBI double to lead off the first, and then Alec Bohm followed with a two-run homer. The Phillies added three more in the sixth inning, when Harper hit a three-run homer and then Bohm hit an RBI single in the eighth to lift them to the seven-run victory.
The Phillies have won three straight and have a record of 52-26. They also entered Monday’s contest with a massive seven-game lead in the NL East standings. The Tigers, on the other hand, have lost six of their last eight games and sit in fourth place in the American League Central Division.