Rafael Devers helps Red Sox turn first triple play in six years

BOSTON — Rafael Devers should leave an accomplishment or two for the rest of his career.

In just his 17th career game, the Red Sox rookie started the first triple play turned by the team in six years Tuesday night, a 5-4-3 around-the-horn swing vs. the Cardinals at Fenway Park. Devers threw on to second baseman Eduardo Nunez — who’s not the most experienced second baseman — and it was finished with Mitch Moreland’s snag at first base.

Yadier Molina was batting in the top of the fourth inning after consecutive singles from Paul DeJong and Dexter Fowler. The Red Sox led 1-0 at the time, with Rick Porcello on the mound.

Porcello threw a breaking ball down and away that Molina rolled over right to Devers, who needed just one step backwards and to his right once he picked up the ball to start the rare play.

Devers, raking at the plate, drove in the game’s only run with a two-out single in the first.

There have been 31 triple plays in franchise history. The last time the Red Sox turned one was almost exactly five years to the day, Aug. 16, 2011, vs. the Rays at Fenway. It was the fourth inning in Game 2 of a doubleheader. Jed Lowrie, the third baseman, started it, before Dustin Pedroia turned it at second with a toss to Adrian Gonzalez.

Sean Rodriguez was the batter.