DENVER -- In an extraordinary moment on the field, Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon made a pivotal play that transformed a seemingly routine situation into a spectacular triple play, marking a significant milestone in his career. This impressive defensive feat not only showcased McMahon's skills but also contributed to the third out of the second inning, although it did little to change the outcome of the game. Unfortunately for the Rockies, they fell to the Oakland Athletics with a final score of 7-4 on Saturday night, extending their disappointing losing streak to six games.

This particular triple play was notable as it represented the fifth such occurrence in the history of the Rockies franchise. McMahon, who had never been involved in a triple play before, described the experience as both thrilling and surreal. “Never even attempted one before,” he remarked regarding the rare defensive maneuver. His initial reaction after fielding the one-hopper from Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson was one of urgency. “That was my first attempt,” he added, emphasizing the uniqueness of the situation.

The triple play unfolded dramatically in the second inning when Wilson hit a chopper that McMahon fielded while moving toward third base. With two runners on base, McMahon stepped on third to force out the first runner before quickly throwing the ball to second baseman Kyle Farmer. Farmer then completed the play by tossing it to first baseman Michael Toglia, sealing the play in a smooth, swift motion that left the crowd in awe. “One-two-three, just like that,” Wilson described the rapid transition into an out. Although Wilson was initially distressed by hitting into the triple play, he quickly put the moment behind him, contributing later in the game with a critical two-run double in the sixth inning that turned the tide in favor of the Athletics.

Wilson's two-run double fell perfectly along the left-field line, allowing the Athletics to take the lead after trailing 3-0 earlier in the game. “It felt, obviously, really good to be able to bounce back,” Wilson expressed, reflecting on the significance of his hit in the context of the game’s progression. The Athletics’ rally demonstrated their resilience and ability to capitalize on opportunities, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of baseball.

The last time the Rockies executed a triple play was on September 1, 2015, against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In a similar vein, this marked the first instance that the Athletics had hit into a triple play since Sean Murphy did so on June 20, 2021, while facing the New York Yankees. These statistics underline the rarity of such events in Major League Baseball, making McMahon's involvement in the play even more memorable.

Despite the highlight of the triple play, the Rockies are grappling with a challenging start to their season, now holding a record of 1-7. This dismal performance ties them with the 2005 Rockies for the worst start in franchise history after the first eight games. “We’re going to show up and play as hard as we can every single day,” McMahon stated resolutely, emphasizing the determination that exists within the team’s locker room. “We’ve got a lot of guys in the locker room who care. ... We’ll get our groove. We’ll get going, we’ll get the bats going, we’ll get the defense going, we’ll get the pitching going, we’ll get it all going.” His words reflect a commitment to turning the season around amidst the struggles they face.