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Marlins' challenge overturns Pirates' stolen base

MIAMI -- One look at the stadium video scoreboard was all Russell Martin needed to see to know the call would be reversed.

The Pirates catcher was right.

In the fourth inning of the Marlins-Pirates game on Friday night at Marlins Park, Martin initially was credited with a stolen base after he nearly escaped a rundown.

Martin singled to open the fourth, but he was caught off base by Miami pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Martin scrambled in the rundown. First baseman Jeff Baker threw to shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who ran Martin back toward first before flipping back to Baker.

Martin sprinted to second, and Baker was in hot pursuit.

Within feet of the bag, Martin made a headfirst slide, and Baker dove to make the tag. Second-base umpire Tim Welke ruled Martin safe, and Miami manager Mike Redmond immediately walked out to challenge.

The umpires huddled for a review that lasted one minute and 22 seconds. Before they were done, the play was shown on the big scoreboard, and Martin saw that he clearly was tagged before reaching the base. As the umpires were still gathered, Martin walked towards the Pirates' dugout. A few seconds later, official word came that the ruling was overturned.

The Marlins are 12 for 14 in challenges this season.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.
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