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Rays Score First Replay Reversal

Fan interference call dropped on homer; Rays topple Twins 11-1

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 20, 2008 6:24 AM CDT
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(Newser) – A Twins fan's near-catch caused MLB's first-ever instant replay reversal yesterday, the St Petersburg Times reports. Carlos Pena's 3-run homer was initially ruled a double for fan interference after the first-base umpire thought he saw a fan touch the ball while it was in play. The replay showed that contact was not made until the ball was over the barrier and the Rays went on to win 11-1.

"I'm sitting here and I even play baseball a lot, and it was like the longest fly ball coming straight to me that I'm camped under—and my glove is in the car," lamented the fan. "I know I can't reach over the fence, but I still want to make a play at the ball, and instead of cupping it with two hands, I just used one and it was right on top of me."

Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena watches his three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, in St. Petersburg, Fla.
Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena watches his three-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 19, 2008, in St. Petersburg, Fla.   (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Umpires walk toward the instant replay room past Minnesota Twins coach Jerry White, left, after initially ruling fan interference on Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena's three-run homer.
Umpires walk toward the instant replay room past Minnesota Twins coach Jerry White, left, after initially ruling fan interference on Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena's three-run homer.   (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena points to the outfield from second base after umpires called fan interference on a possible three-run home run off Minnesota Twins reliever Bof Bonser .
Tampa Bay Rays' Carlos Pena points to the outfield from second base after umpires called fan interference on a possible three-run home run off Minnesota Twins reliever Bof Bonser .   (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon (70) stands on the field as umpires talk over a an interference call on Rays' Carlos Pena's three-run home run.
Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon (70) stands on the field as umpires talk over a an interference call on Rays' Carlos Pena's three-run home run.   (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
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Replay helps Rays crush Twins
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Minnesota Twins • home run • umpire • instant replay • baseball • Tampa Bay Rays • Carlos Pena

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