Replay helps Rangers erase defensive mistake
Washington wins seventh challenge in 12 tries; Gardenhire loses review in sixth
MINNEAPOLIS -- A replay review allowed the Rangers to erase a defensive mistake in the first inning of Monday's game with the Twins at Target Field. It also allowed manager Ron Washington to win his seventh challenge in 12 tries this season.
With two outs and the bases empty in the first, Oswaldo Garcia hit a fly ball to deep right-center. Both center fielder Leonys Martin and Alex Rios, who was in right, could have easily caught the ball. But it fell between them for a hit.
Garcia tried to go to third on the play and slid just as the relay arrived from second baseman Rougned Odor. Umpire Pat Hoberg ruled Garcia safe but Washington appealed and the call was overturned.
The Twins weren't as fortunate in the sixth as manager Ron Gardenhire lost a challenge on a close play at first base involving Josh Willingham.
Willingham hit a slow roller to third baseman Adrian Beltre, who threw to first base just in time to get Willingham. First-base umpire Mike Estabrook ruled Willingham out on the play to end the inning, but Gardenhire asked for a review.
After a review that lasted one minute and 11 seconds, replay confirmed that Willingham was out at first base. Gardenhire has now challenged 10 plays, and had four overturned.