First use of instant replay backs onfield call

"We all believed it was a home run, but since the technology is in place we made the decision to use the technology and go look at the replays," Reliford said, adding that the crew watched the play several times.

"If there had been no argument, obviously we wouldn't have because all four of us believed the call was correct on the field," Reliford said. "Because he disputed it, and it was very close, and now the technology is in place, we used it."

Relief pitcher Troy Percival had no beef with Runge's call. He was more upset about the previous pitch, which he thought should have been called a third strike instead of a ball that extended A-Rod's at-bat.

"It was clearly fair, but after looking at the replay, I wouldn't have known what to call, to be honest with you," Percival said. "The replay made it more cloudy for me."

Reliford said the process, which was put in place last Thursday, worked "exactly like they trained us it would go," adding it was a group decision.

"Technically, it's up to the crew chief. But when the ship sinks, everyone drowns. We operate as a crew, we do everything as a crew, and we make decisions as a crew," Reliford said. "If it comes down to a split decision, then the crew chief is going to have to decide which decision is most likely correct."

The historic moment overshadowed the Yankees' 8-4 victory over the AL East-leading Rays, whose lead over the Boston Red Sox was trimmed to three games. Rodriguez finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs.

"That was kind of cool, seeing that for the first time," Tampa Bay's Carlos Pena said. "We all feel good that the umpires tried all they could to make sure they got the call right. I think that's a step forward."

Yankees manager Joe Girardi agreed.

"That's the type of home runs it's going to be a lot of times. The kind that are real high or near a foul pole or where it's fan friendly," Girardi said. "Obviously they got the call right, and that's the most important thing. I've said that all along."