Twins win early challenge, lose bid on final play

MINNEAPOLIS -- Twins manager Ron Gardenhire successfully issued a replay challenge in the first inning of Saturday's 8-5 loss to the Angels, but lost one in the ninth to end the game.

With Howie Kendrick at second base after an RBI double to give the Angels a 1-0 lead, Erick Aybar hit a grounder to shortstop Eduardo Escobar, who threw high to first baseman Joe Mauer. Mauer tagged Aybar as he was running to first base, but first-base umpire John Tumpane ruled Aybar safe.

Gardenhire went out to the challenge the play and after a short review, the play was overturned and Aybar was ruled out, ending the inning.

In the ninth, the Twins put two runners on with one out against closer Huston Street, but Brian Dozier grounded into what was ruled a game-ending double play on a check swing. Gardenhire challenged the play but the call was upheld.

Gardenhire has now issued 34 challenges this year with 18 calls overturned.