Unassisted Triple Play

[ken0042]

It happened so fast, Eric Bruntlett needed a few moments before he realized he had just ended a game with an unassisted triple play.


Thought it was worthy of a thread seeing as this has only happened a dozen or so times.

But here's my question- and bear with me as I try to understand the rules of baseball. How was that a triple play? He caught the ball- batter is out. Tagged the guy going from 1st to 2nd- he's out. Where was the 3rd out?

[Da_Chief]

the guy moving from 2nd to 3rd i believe.

[getbak]

I'd like to see a video, but based on the description:

• There were runners on first and second and both started running with the pitch.
• He caught the hit ball for the first out, which required both runners to return to their original bases.
• He touched second for the forced out to the player who was running from second to third.
• He tagged the player who was caught between first and second for the third out.

[united]

Caught ball - batter out.
Stepped on second base - player running from second to third is out (must tag-up).
Touches player running from first to second - out.

[Sylvanfan]

With none out, and two runners on base and down 2 runs, no way you should be starting the runners on a 2-2 pitch. If the runners aren't going, they probably have first and 2nd and none out.

[Resolute 14]

If the runners aren't going, he probably still gets a double play, but at least the game isn't over. He caught that ball right on top of second - the runner on that base would have had to break back to his bag the moment the ball was hit to avoid getting doubled up, and that wasn't likely.

[Sylvanfan]

If there is one out, than maybe you start the runners to stay out of a double play. But with none out you can still bring the tying run to the plate after hitting into a double play. I don't think you need to get that aggressive on the base paths. If the runners aren't moving, Bruntlett doesn't have a chance on that play.

[You Need a Thneed]

They were down by two runs, so they sent the runners to try and get two guys in scoring position, and to avoid the double play.

I don't see a problem with sending the runners. Seems like a worthwhile gamble.