NEW YORK – With his team trailing the Philadelphia Phillies 9-7 in the bottom of the 9th inning, New York Mets player Jeff Francoeur stepped up to the plate to face closer Brad Lidge.With no outs and runners on first and second,  compliments of an error by Phillies second baseman Eric Bruntlett, the Mets called a hit-and-run.

Francoeur’s next swing would become historic.

With both runners moving, Francoeur crushed a line shot that headed straight over second base towards centerfield.

Philliies second baseman Eric Bruntlett who was heading toward the bag to cover the runner from first snagged the liner, stepped on second base in the same motion then turned and tagged the final runner, turning an unassisted triple play.

In an instant the game was over.

Bruntlett’s unassisted play was just the second to ever end a game. Detroit Tigers first baseman Johnny Neun accomplished the same feat eight decades ago on May 31, 1927.

“It’s hard to know how to react to it,” Bruntlett said. “I was almost laughing. That doesn’t happen. What do you do there? Game is over. High fives.”

Bruntlett got a rare start because Phillies manager Charlie Manuel wanted to give Chase Utley a day off.

Francoeur who earlier had made a highlight-reel catch in right field on a ball hit by Bruntlett was shocked after the game. “It was the most unbelievable play I’ve ever been involved in,” Francoeur said. “And the sickest.”

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