Escobar scores on play at plate after review
Bautista's throw home is just late as home-plate ump's call is overturned
ST. PETERSBURG -- Joe Maddon won a critical challenge on Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field when Yunel Escobar was called out at home and the call was overturned.
Jose Molina lined a single to right with two outs in the sixth and Escobar on second. Blue Jays right fielder Jose Bautista fielded Molina's hit and made a strong and accurate throw to the plate. Catcher Josh Thole caught the throw and made the tag to the sliding Escobar, who leaped up and gave the safe sign while home-plate umpire Sean Barber signaled out.
Maddon appealed the call and the crew, headed by Mike Everitt, retreated to the third-base side of the diamond to review the call. After a review that lasted one minute and 57 seconds, the call on the field was overturned and the Rays had a 2-0 lead.
The Rays have had 31 challenges this season. Eleven have been overturned, 10 have stood and 10 have been confirmed.