First game-ending robot umpire call gives Baltimore Orioles 8-3 win over Texas Rangers

Albert Suárez earns his first save in 9 years as the Orioles avoid a sweep against the Rangers.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:22pm

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In the first game-ending call by a so-called 'robot umpire', the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers 8-3 on Wednesday. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo challenged a 1-2 pitch call by umpire Manny Gonzalez, and the Automated Ball-Strike System showed the ball clipped the strike zone, giving Albert Suárez his first save since 2017. Basallo and Dylan Beavers homered, and Trevor Rogers pitched six solid innings for the Orioles.

Why it matters

This game featured the first use of the Automated Ball-Strike System to make a game-ending call, a new technology that is being tested in Major League Baseball to improve the accuracy and consistency of umpiring. The successful implementation of this system could have significant implications for the future of officiating in the sport.

The details

In the bottom of the 9th inning, with the Orioles leading 8-3, Rangers batter Evan Carter faced a 1-2 count against Orioles pitcher Albert Suárez. Umpire Manny Gonzalez called the 1-2 pitch a ball, but Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo challenged the call. The Automated Ball-Strike System review showed the pitch clipped the strike zone, resulting in the game-ending out and Suárez's first save since 2017.

  • The game was played on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
  • Suárez earned his first save since August 6, 2017.

The players

Albert Suárez

A relief pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles who earned his first save in 9 years with the game-ending call by the robot umpire.

Samuel Basallo

The Baltimore Orioles catcher who challenged the umpire's call, leading to the successful review by the Automated Ball-Strike System.

Manny Gonzalez

The home plate umpire who made the initial ball call that was challenged by the Orioles.

Trevor Rogers

The Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher who threw six solid innings, allowing two runs on six hits.

Evan Carter

The Texas Rangers batter who was at the plate when the game-ending call was made.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Orioles and Rangers are both off on Thursday. The Rangers have not yet announced a starting pitcher for their home opener against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.

The takeaway

The successful implementation of the Automated Ball-Strike System in this game-ending situation demonstrates the potential for this new technology to improve the accuracy and consistency of umpiring in Major League Baseball. As the league continues to test and refine the system, it could have far-reaching implications for the future of officiating in the sport.