Tigers win pair of challenges on steal attempts

DETROIT -- The Tigers were 2-for-3 in catching Rangers baserunners stealing Saturday, but both successful times they needed a challenge to get the out.

With one out in the top of the first, the Rangers' Shin-Soo Choo took off from second on a 1-2 pitch from Rick Porcello. The attempted hit and run failed as a short video review showed catcher Alex Avila's throw arrived in enough time for Castellanos to tag out Choo.

Right after third-base umpire Ed Hickox signaled safe, third baseman Nick Castellanos gave a signal of his own in the direction of the Tigers' dugout, indicating manager Brad Ausmus should use his challenge.

He did, and one minute and three seconds later after the call was overturned, the Rangers were out of the inning on the double play. Mitch Moreland struck out on the offspeed offering from Porcello.

In the fifth inning with Texas ahead 4-1, the Rangers tested Avila once again. Elvis Andrus attempted to steal second and was called safe. Ausmus challenged and video review showed Andrew Romine applied the tag before Andrus touched the base.

Ausmus has now won eight of his 14 challenges this season. Avila has successfully thrown out 42.5 percent of potential basestealers.

Another play was overturned in the sixth inning, this time benefiting the Rangers. After the Tigers loaded the bases with three straight singles, Castellanos hit a line drive that was caught by Rougned Odor.

Odor threw over to first to try and complete the double play, but the initial ruling was that Avila made it back in time.

After Texas manager Ron Washington challenged the call, it was ruled that first baseman Mitch Moreland tagged the base ahead of Avila's slide, and Detroit's rally was over in a flash.