Santana ruled safe after challenge, later scores
Twins manager Gardenhire calls for review which overturns close play at first
MINNEAPOLIS -- With Mariners right-hander Felix Hernandez on the mound and Aaron Hicks at first base after a walk with nobody out in the third inning, Twins shortstop Danny Santana hit a slow roller down the first-base line that was fielded by first baseman Justin Smoak, who flipped the ball to Hernandez at first base.
Santana was initially ruled out by first-base umpire Toby Basner, but Twins manager Ron Gardenhire came out to ask for a review. After two minutes and three seconds, umpires ruled that Santana was safe at first base, and the call was overturned.
It turned out to be an important ruling for the Twins, as Santana eventually scored on a two-run single from Trevor Plouffe with two outs to give Minnesota an early 2-0 lead.
It was the seventh challenge issued by Gardenhire, and the fourth time he had a call overturned this season.