Force play overturned on McClendon challenge

SEATTLE -- Umpires overturned a call on a force play at second base in the first inning of Friday night's game between the Mariners and Royals at Safeco Field.

Kansas City right fielder Nori Aoki and first baseman Eric Hosmer led off with back-to-back singles. With runners on first and third, Billy Butler hit a sharp ground ball to third baseman Willie Bloomquist, who threw wide and short to second base as Robinson Cano ran over to cover.

Cano dove to his right, corralling it, but second-base umpire Jeff Nelson ruled the runner safe when Cano's foot appeared to lift off the bag. Meanwhile, Aoki scored from third to give Kansas City a 1-0 lead.

Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon came out and issued a challenge. After a review, it ruled that Cano's foot maintained contact with the bag and the runner was out via the force.

Aoki's run still counted.