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

Controversial call in 9th inning gives Baltimore the win over Texas Rangers

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game broken down into overlapping planes of color, representing the complex and evolving role of technology in the sport.An artistic interpretation of the historic moment when the Orioles ended a game on an automated ball-strike challenge, raising questions about the future of technology in baseball.Baltimore Today

In a historic first for Major League Baseball, the Baltimore Orioles ended a game on an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge in the top of the 9th inning against the Texas Rangers. With the Orioles leading 8-3, Rangers batter Evan Carter was called out on strikes by the automated umpire system, ending the game and giving Baltimore the victory.

Why it matters

The use of ABS technology in MLB has been a point of contention, with some players and fans criticizing the system for inconsistent calls. This incident marks the first time a game has ended on an ABS challenge, raising further questions about the reliability and impact of the automated umpiring system.

The details

In the top of the 9th inning, the Rangers were mounting a comeback against Orioles pitcher Albert Suarez, who had an 8-3 lead. With two outs, Evan Carter stepped up to the plate and was called out on strikes by the ABS system. The Rangers challenged the call, but it was upheld, ending the game and giving the Orioles the victory.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the 9th inning on April 1, 2026.

The players

Albert Suarez

The Baltimore Orioles pitcher who was on the mound when the game-ending ABS challenge occurred.

Evan Carter

The Texas Rangers batter who was called out on strikes by the ABS system, ending the game.

Baltimore Orioles

The MLB team that won the game against the Texas Rangers due to the controversial ABS challenge.

Texas Rangers

The MLB team that lost the game against the Baltimore Orioles due to the controversial ABS challenge.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the use of Automated Ball-Strike technology in Major League Baseball. While the system is intended to provide more consistent and accurate calls, this game-ending challenge raises concerns about its reliability and impact on the outcome of games.