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Marlins turn key double play after challenge

Mathis' heads-up throw cuts down Rangers' Martin at third after strikeout

MIAMI -- The Marlins continue their hot streak when it comes to instant replay challenges.

The club benefited from a crucial call to end the sixth inning on Wednesday afternoon against the Rangers at Marlins Park. After a one-minute, 35-second review, a call at third base was overturned, which produced the final out of the inning.

Texas' Leonys Martin singled to open the inning, and he advanced to third on a botched pickoff play by Miami. Martin was caught off first base by lefty Brad Hand, but first baseman Garrett Jones' throw to shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria, who was covering second, struck Martin on the helmet. When the ball deflected into center field, Martin advanced to third with one out.

Hand then struck out Rougned Odor, and on the play, catcher Jeff Mathis threw behind Martin to third base. Martin scrambled back and made a head-first slide into the base, and third-base umpire D.J. Reyburn ruled him safe.

Manager Mike Redmond challenged the call, and it was determined after the replay that third baseman Casey McGehee tagged Martin's right arm before he reached the base. The double play ended the inning.

Miami is 17-for-23 on challenges this season.

Joe Frisaro is a reporter for MLB.com. He writes a blog, called The Fish Pond. Follow him on Twitter @JoeFrisaro.
Read More: Miami Marlins, Leonys Martin, Jeff Mathis