Unassisted triple play caps Phils' win vs Mets

NEW YORK – Second baseman Eric Bruntlett produced an unassisted triple play to cap the Philadelphia Phillies’ 9-7 victory over the New York Mets in the National League on Sunday.

It was the 15th unassisted triple play in major league history – the second that ended a game. Detroit Tigers first baseman Johnny Neun also accomplished the feat on May 31, 1927, completing a 1-0 victory over Cleveland, according to STATS LLC.

With runners on first and second in the ninth inning, Jeff Francoeur hit a line drive up the middle that appeared headed toward center field for a single. But both runners were stealing on the pitch, so Bruntlett was in perfect position as he moved over to cover second base.

He caught the liner easily, stepped on second to double up Luis Castillo and then turned to tag Daniel Murphy for the third out. Murphy tried to backpedal away from Bruntlett, but had nowhere to go.

The Phillies raced onto the field to congratulate Bruntlett after the stunning ending gave Lidge his 25th save in 33 chances.

Philadelphia scored six times in the first inning off Oliver Perez (3-4) on three-run homers by Jayson Werth and Carlos Ruiz.

At Denver, Ubaldo Jimenez threw eight strong innings and Seth Smith hit a two-run homer in the seventh as Colorado downed San Francisco, 4-2.      (AP)