Replay reversal gives Santana decisive homer

CLEVELAND -- The fans at Progressive Field roared as the baseball rocketed off Carlos Santana's bat in the seventh inning on Monday night. An audible groan soon followed when the towering blast down the right-field line was ruled a foul ball.

That decision did not last long.

Following an official review, Santana's shot into the right-field seats was ruled a home run. It proved to be the decisive hit in Cleveland's 4-3 victory over the Royals, pulling the Indians within 1 1/2 games of the Rays for the American League's second Wild Card spot.

"I knew it was gone," Santana said. "I saw it as I was running up the line. I know the umpires had a hard time seeing it, but when they went to look at the replay, I knew it was a home run."

Santana made it as far as first base before the blast off Kansas City right-hander Ervin Santana was initially deemed a foul ball by home-plate umpire Doug Eddings. The designated hitter remained on the basepaths while manager Terry Francona emerged from the dugout and jogged to the infield to discuss the ruling with the umpires.

From his vantage point in the dugout, Francona felt right away that it was a home run.

"I thought so," Francona said, "and then I went out and Doug was kind of walking with me. He said 'We'll check it.' Before I could even turn around, the guys had all seen it and I felt better. It's hard. I thought I saw it, but it's tough."

The home run was Santana's team-leading 18th of the season.