Triple Play Fails to Save Mariners

A triple play is a notable achievement at any time, but when it happens in the bottom of the ninth inning in a 2-2 tie, it’s even more special.

That was the situation Tuesday at Oakland when the Seattle Mariners pulled off their second triple play of the season.

Bruce Bochte opened the A’s ninth with a walk. Dave Kingman made a surprise bunt and, when third baseman Domingo Ramos picked the ball up just before it rolled foul, the A’s had two on and none out.

Ramos redeemed himself in a hurry. Carney Lansford hit a line drive that Ramos caught, then threw to second to double off Bochte. With Kingman also running on the play, it was easy for second baseman Harold Reynolds to throw to first and complete the triple play.

The triple play merely delayed the Mariners’ defeat. Mike Davis hit the first pitch in the bottom of the 10th for his 12th home run to give the A’s a 3-2 win.