Aided by replay, Springer fires home for DP
HOUSTON -- Astros manager A.J. Hinch successfully challenged a call at the plate in the third inning Sunday, taking away a run for the Mariners. That run would loom large, as Houston ended up with a 7-6 victory thanks to Evan Gattis' second home run.
Mariners shortstop Brad Miller tried to score from third base on a fly ball to right field by Seth Smith, and he was initially called safe after sliding past the tag of Astros catcher Jason Castro following a throw from right fielder George Springer.
Hinch challenged the call, and replays showed Miller's left foot and lower leg went over the plate before Castro's tag, but didn't make contact with the plate. By the time his right knee/leg crossed the plate, Castro appeared to have applied the tag.
"Any time it involves a run, you're instinct is always to challenge," Hinch said. "That one, that's a tough play on everybody. I even asked Castro if he applied the tag. You can't really see the elevation of his foot because our side was blocked off a little bit. Obviously, the challenge system was put in place for key plays like that, and that worked out to our advantage."
Instead of a sacrifice fly for the Mariners, the Astros wound up with an inning-ending double play and Springer got credit for an outfield assist.
Hinch challenged a call at third base in the fourth. Jose Altuve was called out at third on a single by Marwin Gonzalez, but the call stood following a replay review.