Baltimore Catcher Wins Game with Automated Ball-Strike Challenge

Samuel Basallo makes history as first MLB player to clinch victory using new technology.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 10:23pm

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Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo made history on April 1, 2026 by becoming the first major league player to end a game with a successful challenge through the new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. Basallo's challenge overturned a called third strike, allowing the Orioles to walk off with the win.

Why it matters

The ABS system, which uses advanced computer vision and tracking to automatically call balls and strikes, has been a controversial introduction to Major League Baseball. Basallo's game-winning challenge highlights how the new technology is already impacting the outcome of close games and changing the dynamics of the sport.

The details

In the bottom of the 9th inning with the game tied, Basallo took a pitch that was called a strike by the home plate umpire. Basallo immediately signaled for a challenge, and after a brief video review, the call was overturned and ruled a ball. This gave Basallo new life at the plate, and he proceeded to hit a walk-off single to win the game for the Orioles.

  • The game-winning challenge occurred in the bottom of the 9th inning on April 1, 2026.

The players

Samuel Basallo

The Baltimore Orioles catcher who made history by becoming the first MLB player to successfully challenge a call using the new Automated Ball-Strike system to win a game.

Baltimore Orioles

The MLB team that Basallo plays for, who won the game thanks to his game-winning challenge.

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What they’re saying

“That was an unbelievable moment. I knew I had to challenge that call, and I'm glad the system got it right. It's going to be a game-changer for the sport.”

— Samuel Basallo, Baltimore Orioles Catcher

What’s next

The Orioles' victory moves them up in the standings, and Basallo's historic challenge will likely be a topic of discussion as the league continues to adapt to the new Automated Ball-Strike technology.

The takeaway

Basallo's game-winning challenge using the ABS system demonstrates how this new technology is already having a major impact on the outcome of close MLB games. As the league and players continue to adjust, these types of pivotal moments are likely to become more common.