Blue Jays, Bucs lose challenges at first base

PITTSBURGH -- The Blue Jays continue to come up empty with the new replay system as manager John Gibbons lost a crucial challenge during the eighth inning of Saturday night's game against the Pirates.

With one out, Chris Getz was hit by a pitch, and he was then involved in a close play at first on a pickoff attempt by Bryan Morris. First-base umpire Greg Gibson called Getz out, but the Toronto infielder immediately protested the call.

That brought Gibbons out of the dugout as he decided to challenge the call. Following a review of three minutes, 16 seconds it was ruled that the call on the field stood, meaning there was not enough video evidence to confirm or overrule the original decision.

Gibbons is now 0-for-6 in challenges this year, but the club did experience some luck earlier in the game when the Pirates unsuccessfully challenged a safe call at first base in the fourth, leading to a bigger inning for the Blue Jays.

The Blue Jays had already scored three runs in the inning to take a 4-0 lead when Josh Thole hit a two-out grounder deep into the second-base hole, from where Neil Walker's throw to first baseman Gaby Sanchez was ruled tardy by Gibson.

Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle challenged the call, which also stood following the replay review.

Pitcher R.A. Dickey followed with a grounder to short that was booted for an error by Clint Barmes, prolonging the inning. Jose Reyes followed by drawing a walk to load the bases, then Melky Cabrera also walked to force in a run and prompt Hurdle to remove left-hander Francisco Liriano from the game.