Second baseman Eric Bruntlett turned an unassisted triple play to end the Philadelphia Phillies' 9-7 victory over the Mets on Sunday.
It was the 15th unassisted triple play in major league history - and 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.
Bruntlett's triple play preserved a win for Pedro Martinez in his return to New York and squashed a Mets rally against closer Brad Lidge.
The Mets still haven't figured out what hit them, after a bizarre 9-7 loss at Citi Field.
"It's crazy [stuff]," Francoeur said. "I don't know what else to say," he told the New York Post.
With runners on first and second, 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.
Bruntlett, who made an error earlier in the inning, started at second because All-Star Chase Utley was rested.
Another Phillies second baseman, Mickey Morandini, turned an unassisted triple play in 1992.
It was the first time the Mets were involved in such a play.
