Call stands after Mariners' challenge
McClendon questions whether Altuve had possession on forceout in fourth
HOUSTON -- Mariners manager Lloyd McClendon lost a replay challenge in the fourth inning of Sunday's game against the Astros at Minute Maid Park when he asked for a review of a fielder's choice ground ball by Willie Bloomquist.
Astros third baseman Marwin Gonzelez threw to Jose Altuve for the force at second on Michael Saunders, but the ball popped loose from the Houston second baseman as he went to transfer for the throw to first.
McClendon challenged the call, which requires the fielder to have possession of the ball on the catch. But after a quick conference with replay officials in New York, crew chief Bob Davidson said the ruling on the field stands and Saunders was out.
The Mariners were leading 5-1 at the time and would have had runners at first and second with one out if Saunders had been ruled safe. Instead, the Astros got the second out and then retired Robinson Cano to get out of the inning unscathed.