Orioles End Game on ABS Challenge for 1st Time in MLB History

Unfortunately for the Rangers, the call went Baltimore's way.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:05pm

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In a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers, the Orioles won after a successful ABS (Automated Ball-Strike) challenge in the top of the ninth inning, marking the first time in MLB history that a game has ended on a challenge.

Why it matters

While an ending via challenge could be frustrating in a closer or more important game, in this case it resulted in the correct call being made, with the Orioles now 6-for-7 on defensive challenges this season.

The details

With the Orioles leading 8-3 in the top of the ninth, Rangers batter Evan Carter faced a 1-2 count with two outs. Orioles pitcher Albert Suarez threw a pitch on the outside corner that was initially called a ball, but Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo challenged the call, and the review showed the pitch was indeed a strike, ending the game.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

The players

Albert Suarez

The Orioles pitcher who threw the final pitch of the game.

Evan Carter

The Rangers batter who was at the plate when the game ended on the challenge.

Samuel Basallo

The Orioles catcher who initiated the successful ABS challenge.

Adley Rutschman

The Orioles' regular catcher who had the day off, allowing Basallo to start behind the plate.

Baltimore Orioles

The home team that won the game after the successful challenge.

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What they’re saying

“This is the kind of ending that could be quite annoying in a more important game, or one that is closer on the scoreboard. But in this case, it doesn't feel that bad. End the game on a pitch that was in the strike zone for strike three. Get the call right.”

— Chris Castellani, Sports writer

What’s next

The Orioles will look to build on their successful challenge record as they continue their season.

The takeaway

The Orioles' first-ever game-ending challenge victory highlights the growing role of technology in baseball, while also showing that getting the call right can be more important than the method used to reach the correct outcome.