Mariners win challenge at first base in fifth

SEATTLE -- Kyle Seager had a fielding error reversed when a close play at first base was overturned using Major League Baseball's instant replay policy in the fifth inning of Friday night's Mariners-Tigers opener at Safeco Field.

With one out and a runner on first and the game tied at 2, Torii Hunter hit a high chopper to third base. Seager fielded the ball and looked as if he was going to throw to second before dropping the transfer. He quickly scooped the ball and fired to first as Hunter hustled down the line.

First-baseman umpire Mike Estabrook ruled Hunter safe on a bang-bang play, but manager Lloyd McClendon then came out and asked for it to be reviewed.

After conferring with replay officials, the umpiring crew ruled that Hunter was out while baserunner Ian Kinsler stayed at second. McClendon then opted to walk Miguel Cabrera to put runners on first and second before Victor Martinez followed with a three-run homer to give the Tigers a 5-2 lead.