ST. PETERSBURG -- The Twins fell an inch short Friday night when instant replay upheld a narrow safe call at first base, allowing the Rays to score the winning run in an 8-7 loss in 10 innings at Tropicana Field.
With two outs and pinch-runner Johnny Field at second base, Rays left fielder Denard Span hit a grounder that Joe Mauer speared on a dive. Mauer sprung up and underhanded the ball to reliever Zach Duke, who made it to the bag ahead of Span.
But Duke's right foot never touched the bag.