Hurdle, Pirates lose strike-out challenge

Marte's foul on bunt attempt against Cubs confirmed by replay

By Tom Singer

April 2, 2014

PITTSBURGH -- Pirates manager Clint Hurdle's challenge record fell to 1-1 in the eighth inning of Wednesday's 4-3 win against the Cubs, when a call confirmed that Starling Marte had struck out by bunting a two-strike pitch foul.

Marte, leading off with the Pirates holding 2-1 lead over the Cubs, had squared around to bunt Pedro Strop's two-strike pitch, and plate umpire Bob Davidson ruled that he fouled it off and struck out.

Hurdle came out to contend the pitch had hit Marte, not his bat. A final decision took a four-minute replay review -- longer than most early this season -- but Davidson's call stood.

Tony Sanchez ended the longest game in Pittsburgh history with a walk-off single in the 16th.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.