Baltimore Catcher Makes MLB's First Game-Ending Robo-Ump Challenge

Samuel Basallo's successful challenge overturned a ball call, securing the Orioles' 8-3 win over the Rangers.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:50am

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In the top of the ninth inning of a game between the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers, Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo became the first major league player to end a game with a successful challenge via the Automated Ball-Strike System. With two outs, Rangers batter Evan Carter took a 1-2 pitch from Orioles pitcher Albert Suárez that was called a ball by umpire Manny Gonzalez. Basallo challenged the call, and replay showed the pitch caught the upper outside corner of the strike zone, overturning the call and securing the Orioles' 8-3 victory.

Why it matters

The use of the Automated Ball-Strike System, or 'robo-umps', in Major League Baseball is a significant development that is changing the game. This is the first time a game has been decided by a successful challenge using the new technology, highlighting its impact on the sport.

The details

In the top of the ninth inning with the Orioles leading 8-3, Rangers batter Evan Carter took a 1-2 pitch from Orioles pitcher Albert Suárez that was called a ball by umpire Manny Gonzalez. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo immediately challenged the call, and replay showed the pitch caught the upper outside corner of the strike zone. The call was overturned, ending the game and securing the Orioles' victory.

  • The incident occurred in the top of the ninth inning on April 2, 2026.

The players

Samuel Basallo

The Baltimore Orioles catcher who made the successful game-ending robo-ump challenge.

Albert Suárez

The Baltimore Orioles pitcher who threw the pitch that was challenged.

Evan Carter

The Texas Rangers batter who took the pitch that was challenged.

Manny Gonzalez

The umpire who initially called the pitch a ball.

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What they’re saying

“This is a historic moment for the game. The robo-ump system is changing baseball, and we're seeing its impact in real time.”

— Jim Leyland, MLB Analyst

What’s next

The successful challenge by Basallo is likely to spark further discussion and analysis of the Automated Ball-Strike System and its role in the future of baseball.

The takeaway

The use of robo-umps in MLB has reached a new milestone, with a game-ending challenge by Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo highlighting the technology's growing influence on the sport. This incident showcases how the Automated Ball-Strike System is transforming the way baseball is officiated and the strategic decisions made by teams and players.