The Philadelphia Phillies accomplished a rare feat Monday night in Detroit, thanks in part to a serious mistake on the part of the Tigers.
The Phillies turned into a triple play in the third inning of their matchup against the Tigers at Comerica Park, which marked the first successful triple play in the league so far 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 the ball to third base to complete the final out of the inning as shortstop Zach McKinstry had already run home from third. It seemed as if McKinstry didn’t realize what had happened, as he had already passed home plate before the Phillies even threw him to third base.
Just like that, the Tigers wasted a great opportunity to get on the board.
The Phillies took a 4-0 lead almost instantly Monday night to open the three-game series against the Tigers. Bryce Harper hit a two-RBI double to lead off the first inning, and then Alec Bohm followed suit with a two-run homer. That four-run lead held into the fifth inning.
The Phillies entered Monday night with a 51-26 record, putting them leading the NL East by a full seven games. The Tigers, on the other hand, are 14 games behind the Cleveland Guardians and in fourth place in the American League Central Division.
This post will be updated with more information soon.
