Rays fail to turn double play after ball goes through Jeff Keppinger’s glove (Video)

Players make errors all the time. Both physical and mental miscues are a part of the game on a daily basis. Equipment malfunctions — not so much. They do happen, however, as the Rays reminded us during their game against the Royals on Monday night.

In the bottom of the sixth with Tampa Bay leading 5-1 and runners on first and second, a ground ball was hit to short for what appeared to be an easy double play opportunity. The Rays executed the turn to perfection, but the relay throw to first went right through the webbing of Jeff Keppinger’s glove at first. Instead of having two outs with a runner on third, the Royals then had runners on the corners with only one out. Fortunately for Tampa, they got out of the inning anyway and managed to preserve their 5-1 lead the entire way.

We have seen some bizarre plays this season that involve sparks coming out of cleats, but a perfect throw going directly through a first baseman’s glove could be a first for 2012.

H/T Big League Stew