Cardinals' Walker hits homer after successful ABS challenge

Right fielder Jordan Walker ties game with third-inning blast after umpire's call overturned.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:33pm

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In a Grapefruit League game against the Astros, Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker successfully challenged an umpire's strikeout call, then hit a game-tying home run on the next pitch at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.

Why it matters

The use of Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) technology in MLB spring training games allows players to challenge umpire calls, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game. Walker's successful challenge and subsequent homer highlight how this new system is changing the dynamics of the game.

The details

With one out in the third inning, Walker was initially called out on strikes by home plate umpire James Jean against Astros pitcher Christian Javier. Walker challenged the call, and the scoreboard indicated he was correct. Given another chance, Walker then hit a 3-2 fastball over the center field fence to tie the game at 1-1.

  • The incident occurred in the third inning of Sunday afternoon's game.
  • The game was played at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.

The players

Jordan Walker

Cardinals right fielder who hit a game-tying home run after successfully challenging an umpire's strikeout call.

Christian Javier

Astros right-handed pitcher who was pitching when Walker hit the home run.

James Jean

Home plate umpire who initially called Walker out on strikes before the call was overturned.

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What they’re saying

“The ABS challenge paid off for Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker in the third inning of Sunday afternoon's game against the Astros at CACTI Park of the Palm Beaches.”

— Bill Ladson, Author

What’s next

The game remained tied after Walker's home run, setting up an exciting finish between the two spring training rivals.

The takeaway

The use of Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) technology in MLB spring training games is giving players a new tool to challenge umpire calls, which can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game as seen with Jordan Walker's successful challenge and subsequent game-tying home run.