Pair of calls upheld by replay in Padres-D-backs game

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- D-backs manager Kirk Gibson used a replay challenge for the first time Sunday when he asked umpires to review a first-inning play at first base.

With Chris Owings at first base, Paul Goldschmidt hit a grounder to first that Tommy Medica bobbled and then had to race Goldschmidt to the bag.

The umpires ruled that Medica beat Goldschmidt for the out and Gibson jogged onto the field to discuss the play with first-base umpire Paul Schrieber. While Gibson did that, bench coach Alan Trammell was on the walkie-talkie in the dugout with the D-backs video room.

Trammell signaled to Gibson that he should challenge the play and umpires went over to the first-base camera well where after a review of 2 minutes, 34 seconds they decided the ruling on the field stood.

"First thing we wanted to do was the mechanic of it because we hadn't done it," Gibson said. "I got the sign that it was reversible. It was certainly something worth challenging."

That left Gibson with no challenges left for the remainder of the game.

In the sixth inning, even though he was out of challenges, Gibson went onto the field after Medica was ruled safe at second on a stolen base attempt and talked to Owings before talking to the umpires.

"I asked the infielders what they thought," Gibson said. "C.O. thought he was safe as well and I turned around and Tram also gave me the sign. [The umpire] says, 'Do you want me to look at it?' It's not a challenge, it's their ability to review any call they want."

Sunday's game was the fourth of seven D-backs spring games that will utilize instant replay.

Padres manager Bud Black also challenged a call later in the game.

With two outs, Padres reliever Joaquin Benoit struck out Owings, but when the third strike got away from catcher Rocky Gale, Owings took off for first.

Owings was ruled safe on a close play at first and Black asked the umpires to review the call, which was upheld.

"That was a critical part of the game," Black said.