Facing A's, Rays lose double-play challenge

ST. PETERSBURG -- Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon challenged and lost on a close call in the third inning of the A's 3-0 victory over the Rays on Tuesday night at Tropicana Field.

With the Athletics up by 3, one out and the bases loaded in the third, Rays center fielder Desmond Jennings grounded into a 6-4-3 double play and was ruled out at first. Maddon approached first-base umpire Bill Welke and talked to him until he received a signal from the dugout telling him to challenge the call.

The crew, headed by Brian Gorman, retreated to the third-base side of the diamond. After a review that lasted 1 minute and 22 seconds, the call on the field stood. Jennings was out and the Rays lost the ability to challenge for the remainder of the game.

"That's one of those replays I think where whatever was called on the field would have stood, if he was called safe or out. If he would have been called safe it would have been upheld. ... It was that kind of inconclusive play," said Maddon.

The Rays have challenged 17 calls this season. Six have been overturned, six have stood and five have been confirmed.