The Los Angeles Angels got out of a big jam in the top of the ninth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night thanks to a sweet triple play.
The game was tied 6-6 and the Rays had runners on the corners with Harold Ramirez at the plate. Ramirez hit a hard grounder to exactly where shortstop Luis Rengifo was playing in an infield-in situation. Rengifo flipped to Brandon Drury, who got the out at second and threw to first for a typical 6-4-2 double play. But as the double play was unfolding, Yandy Diaz broke for home. Rookie first baseman Nolan Schanuel threw home and the Angels tagged Diaz out for a triple play.
🚨 TRIPLE PLAY 🚨#GoHalos pic.twitter.com/K5AtYviWWi
— Los Angeles Angels (@Angels) August 19, 2023
The Rays challenged the call but had no luck as the triple play stood.
The triple play was the seventh in Angels history and their first since 1997.
The #Angels have turned the seventh triple play in franchise history and the first since July 5, 1997 vs. Seattle. https://t.co/VVYx7kEFx0
— Angels PR (@LAAngelsPR) August 19, 2023
In addition to the rare triple play, Shohei Ohtani also hit a grand slam in the second inning. This was the first time in team history the Angels had a triple play and grand slam in the same game.
