4th and Long
06-11-2006, 03:52 PM
And who'da' thunk it? It was the Royals that pulled it off. And here I thought the Sluggerrr Build-A-Bears I got for the girls were going to be the highlight of my day. Lord knows watching Elarton lob 69 mph pitches to the Devils Rays, combined with Gobble throwing everything over the heart of the plate, leading to Tampa Bay having a franchise home run day, was less than thrilling.
Royals turn bizarre triple play
Unconventional feat KC's first in over a decade
By Kevin Druley / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals' first triple play since April 3, 1996, was certainly unconventional.
Tampa Bay led Kansas City, 1-0, in the top of the second inning on Sunday with men on second and third when Rays right fielder Russell Branyan lofted a fly ball to shallow center field.
David DeJesus settled under the ball and threw wildly to home in an attempt to nab Aubrey Huff, who had appeared to tag up from third. The ball sailed over catcher Paul Bako's head, but was picked up by 6-foot-7 pitcher Scott Elarton, who was backing the play.
Rocco Baldelli then tried to tag up from first base, but was thrown out at second by Elarton. The crowd showed its appreciation at what was already an impressive double play. That was when things got bizarre.
The Royals appealed to third-base umpire Bob Davidson that Huff had left the base too early. Shortstop Angel Berroa threw to third baseman Mark Teahen.
The appeal was granted.
Rays manager Joe Maddon and third-base coach Tom Foley pleaded their case with Davidson, but he was unwavering in his decision.
The putout on the appeal was included as part of the triple play because of Rule 10.12, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. An appeal putout is part of a triple play if the ball, when in possession of the pitcher, results in an additional putout.
In the end, what transpired went as the sixth triple play in Royals franchise history. Elias also said that it was the first time Tampa Bay has hit into a triple play since the club began play in 1998.
Royals turn bizarre triple play
Unconventional feat KC's first in over a decade
By Kevin Druley / MLB.com
KANSAS CITY -- The Royals' first triple play since April 3, 1996, was certainly unconventional.
Tampa Bay led Kansas City, 1-0, in the top of the second inning on Sunday with men on second and third when Rays right fielder Russell Branyan lofted a fly ball to shallow center field.
David DeJesus settled under the ball and threw wildly to home in an attempt to nab Aubrey Huff, who had appeared to tag up from third. The ball sailed over catcher Paul Bako's head, but was picked up by 6-foot-7 pitcher Scott Elarton, who was backing the play.
Rocco Baldelli then tried to tag up from first base, but was thrown out at second by Elarton. The crowd showed its appreciation at what was already an impressive double play. That was when things got bizarre.
The Royals appealed to third-base umpire Bob Davidson that Huff had left the base too early. Shortstop Angel Berroa threw to third baseman Mark Teahen.
The appeal was granted.
Rays manager Joe Maddon and third-base coach Tom Foley pleaded their case with Davidson, but he was unwavering in his decision.
The putout on the appeal was included as part of the triple play because of Rule 10.12, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. An appeal putout is part of a triple play if the ball, when in possession of the pitcher, results in an additional putout.
In the end, what transpired went as the sixth triple play in Royals franchise history. Elias also said that it was the first time Tampa Bay has hit into a triple play since the club began play in 1998.