Replay Reviews 015-018: Tumpane, Davidson, Hirschbeck

Instant Replay Review overturned 2B Umpire John Tumpane's out call in the top of, confirmed HP Umpire Bob Davidson's foul ball call in the bottom of the 8th and confirmed John Hirschbeck's safe call in the bottom of the 13th inning of the Cubs-Pirates game. In the top frame, with one out and two on, Cubs batter Nate Schierholtz hit a 2-1 cutter from Pirates pitcher Mark Melancon on the ground to second baseman Neil Walker, who threw to shortstop Jordy Mercer to first baseman Travis Ishikawa, Cubs R1 Anthony Rizzo attempting to advance to second base. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Rick Renteria, Tumpane's ruling that Mercer had control of the ball and was not drawn off the base was reversed, the call was incorrect.* At the time of the review, the Pirates were leading, 2-0.

In the bottom of the 8th, with none out and none on, Pirates batter Starling Marte attempted to bunt a 0-1 fastball from Cubs pitcher Pedro Strop and jumped back, either the bat or Marte's person making contact with the pitch. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle, Davidson's ruling that the pitched ball struck Marte's bat, resulting in a foul ball back to the screen, was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the Pirates were leading, 2-1.

In the bottom of the 13th, with none out and two on, Pirates batter Walker bunted a 0-0 change up from Cubs pitcher Wesley Wright back to Wright, who threw to third baseman Luis Valbuena as Pirates baserunner R2 Pedro Alvarez arrived at third base. Upon Instant Replay Review as the result of a challenge by Cubs Manager Renteria, Hirschbeck's ruling that Valbuena did not receive the throw and tag third base prior to Alvarez's arrival at the bag was affirmed, the call was correct. At the time of the review, the contest was tied, 3-3. The Pirates ultimately won the contest, 4-3, in 16 innings.

This is John Tumpane (74)'s first Instant Replay Review of 2014.
This is Bob Davidson (61)'s third Instant Replay Review of 2014.
This is John Hirschbeck (17)'s first Instant Replay Review of 2014.
John Tumpane is now 0/1 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014.
Bob Davidson is now 2/3 (.666 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014.
John Hirschbeck is now 1/1 (1.000 Affirmation Rate) in Instant Replay Reviews during 2014.
Crew Chief John Hirschbeck's crew is now 3/5 (.600 Affirmation %) in Replay Reviews during 2014.
Listed Replay Official Crew Chiefs: Larry Vanover, Jeff Kellogg.
*This is a reviewable play pursuant to MLB's Replay Review Regulations. Not reviewable is the umpire's judgment that a runner is clearly out on a force play at second base under the circumstances in which the defensive player may or may not have touched second base in his attempt to complete a double play and avoid a collision with the runner. All other elements of the call shall be subject to review, including whether the fielder caught the ball, had control of the ball, was drawn off the bag, or tagged the runner.

These are the 15th, 16th and 18th instant Replay Reviews of the 2014 MLB Regular Season.
Cubs Manager Rick Renteria is now 1/3 (.333 Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Requests in 2014.
Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle is now 1/2 (.500 Success) in Instant Replay Challenges/Requests in 2014.
Umpires are now 10/18 (.556 Accuracy) in Instant Replay Reviews during the 2014 MLB season.

Wrap: Chicago Cubs vs. Pittsburgh Pirates, 4/2/14
Video: Play overturned; Replay Official deems Mercer did not voluntarily vacate second base (CHC)
Video: Play confirmed; Davidson's initial ruling of foul is upheld after challenge and review (PIT)
Video: Play confirmed; Renteria challenges extra-inning safe call to no avail, call stays (CHC)