Cubs Pull Off Rare Triple Play Against Cardinals

The Chicago Cubs pulled off a triple play, the first in the National League this season and first against St. Louis in nearly five years, but lost, 8-0, to the Cardinals on Thursday night.

In the eighth inning, Jack Clark led off with a walk, and Andy Van Slyke singled him to second base. Terry Pendleton followed with a line drive off reliever George Frazier to first baseman Leon Durham.

Durham threw to second to try to double Clark off the base. Clark beat the throw, and shortstop Chris Speier threw to first to double up Van Slyke. The throw hit Van Slyke and bounced up against the wall. Van Slyke, thinking Clark was called out, ran to second. Clark, thinking he was forced off second, just stood on second to help Van Slyke.

Both ended up on second with Van Slyke standing on the third base side of Clark. Van Slyke was called out for passing Clark on the bases.

Clark, still not knowing what happened, decided to go to third. He was caught in a rundown with second baseman Ryne Sandberg, shortstop Speier, third baseman Ron Cey and center fielder Bob Dernier. Dernier tagged Clark out between second and third.

It was the first triple play against the Cardinals since the Montreal Expos accomplished the feat Aug. 12, 1980.