Astros Player Walks After Striking Out Three Times

Automated Balls and Strikes system fails to properly track the count, leading to a bizarre sequence.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 3:08pm

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In a bizarre sequence during a game between the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, Astros player Cam Smith swung and missed on the first three pitches of his at-bat, but was still awarded a walk. The umpire, Mark Wegner, admitted he made a mistake in keeping track of the count, failing to properly record the third strike.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges of implementing new technologies like the Automated Balls and Strikes system, which is intended to improve the accuracy of ball and strike calls. However, this example shows that even advanced systems can still make mistakes, leading to confusing and unconventional outcomes.

The details

With the Astros already leading 6-1 in the game, Smith stepped up to the plate and swung and missed on the first three pitches. However, due to a throwing error by Red Sox catcher Connor Wong on a stolen base attempt, the count was incorrectly recorded. Smith then proceeded to foul off several more pitches before being awarded a walk on what should have been strike three. Red Sox manager Alex Cora and pitcher Brayan Bello were both confused by the sequence, with umpire Wegner later admitting he made a mistake in keeping track of the count.

  • The incident occurred during the Astros-Red Sox game on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Cam Smith

An Astros player who was awarded a walk after striking out three times.

Connor Wong

The Red Sox catcher whose throwing error contributed to the confusion over the count.

Mark Wegner

The umpire who admitted to making a mistake in keeping track of the count during the at-bat.

Brayan Bello

The Red Sox pitcher who asked the umpire about the count during the at-bat.

Alex Cora

The Red Sox manager who was confused by the sequence of events.

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What they’re saying

“I just watched the video. I somehow didn't count the second swinging one because I said the count was 1-2. It was actually strike three ... I've never done that before. I'm not happy about it. Just made a mistake.”

— Mark Wegner, Umpire

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of implementing new technologies like the Automated Balls and Strikes system, which is intended to improve the accuracy of officiating but can still be prone to mistakes. It serves as a reminder that even advanced systems are not infallible, and that human oversight and judgment will likely remain an important part of the game for the foreseeable future.