Cincinnati Reds lose first ABS challenge

Team's perfect record on new automated strike zone system ends after 56 successful challenges.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 8:53pm

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The Cincinnati Reds have been the talk of Major League Baseball this season for their unparalleled success in challenging calls made by the new Automated Ball-Strikes (ABS) system. However, that streak came to an end on March 29th, when the Reds lost their first ABS challenge in a game against the Boston Red Sox.

Why it matters

The Reds' ability to successfully challenge ABS calls has been a key factor in their strong start to the season. Their 56-0 record on ABS challenges had drawn national attention, with many fans and analysts praising the team's mastery of the new technology. This loss marks the end of that historic run and raises questions about how the Reds will adapt going forward.

The details

In the 11th inning of the game against the Red Sox, the Reds challenged an ABS call that went against them. However, after review, the original call was upheld, resulting in the first loss of the season for the Reds on ABS challenges.

  • The game took place on March 29, 2026.
  • The Reds' streak of successful ABS challenges ended at 56 consecutive wins.

The players

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, known for their strong start to the 2026 season and their unprecedented success in challenging calls made by the new Automated Ball-Strikes system.

Boston Red Sox

A Major League Baseball team based in Boston, Massachusetts, who faced off against the Cincinnati Reds on March 29, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We've been spoiled by our success on the ABS challenges, but it was bound to happen eventually. We'll learn from this and come back stronger.”

— David Bell, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

The Reds will look to start a new streak of successful ABS challenges in their next game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 1st.

The takeaway

The Cincinnati Reds' historic run of 56 consecutive successful ABS challenges has come to an end, but their ability to adapt and overcome this setback will be crucial as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth in the 2026 season.