Hinch goes 3-for-3 on challenges for Astros
Three calls overturned during Houston's walk-off win vs. Rays
HOUSTON -- Astros manager A.J. Hinch went 3-for-3 in replay reviews on Wednesday night, two of which came in key situations in a 3-2 win over the Rays at Minute Maid Park. Hinch has been successful in 21 of his 36 challenges this year.
Hinch's initial challenge came in the first inning, when the Rays appeared to have loaded the bases with no outs against starter Dallas Keuchel. Hinch contested shortstop Carlos Correa had beaten Desmond Jennings to second base for a fielder's choice, and the call was overturned.
He got a call at first base overturned in the sixth inning, giving Preston Tucker an infield hit. And when Grady Sizemore led off the 13th by beating out an infield single on a close play, Hinch successfully challenged that Astros pitcher Oliver Perez's foot beat Sizemore to the base.
Video: TB@HOU: Tucker beats out grounder on overturned call
"At that point in the game, you have it in your pocket and you've sort of earned the right to still have one with the game on the line," Hinch said. "Sometimes you don't wait for the phone call."
Hinch didn't challenge a controversial play in the seventh. Rays second baseman Logan Forsythe hit a foul ball down the right-field line that first baseman Luis Valbuena was preparing to catch by reaching into the stands, only to have a fan knock the ball down. Forsythe singled on the next pitch and scored.
Video: TB@HOU: Perez gets out at first after challenge
"We've had that play before and I've been on the losing end of that one and got ejected for it [June 20 at Seattle]," Hinch said. "The [ball] was over the fence from our people and from the umpire's view, so it wasn't really a challenge to make. Replay is set up for those kinds of plays. Tonight shows how tough it is as an umpire. Those are really, really close plays, and I'm glad they went our way."