Orioles Win Game on First-Ever Successful ABS Challenge

Catcher's challenge of called ball overturned to strike three, ending the game

Apr. 2, 2026 at 4:25pm

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In a historic first for Major League Baseball, the Baltimore Orioles defeated the Texas Rangers 8-3 on Wednesday after catcher Samuel Basallo successfully challenged a called ball using the league's new automated ball-strike (ABS) system. With two outs in the ninth inning, Basallo challenged the umpire's call, and the review showed the pitch grazed the top outside corner of the strike zone, resulting in a game-ending strikeout.

Why it matters

The ABS system, which uses advanced technology to automatically call balls and strikes, has been a controversial experiment in MLB. This is the first time the system has directly impacted the outcome of a game, raising questions about how the new technology will affect the traditional human element of umpiring in baseball.

The details

In the bottom of the ninth inning with the Orioles leading 8-3, Rangers pitcher Albert Suarez threw a pitch that was called a ball by the home plate umpire. Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo immediately challenged the call using the ABS system, and the review showed the pitch had just clipped the top outside corner of the strike zone. The call was overturned, resulting in a game-ending strikeout and an Orioles victory.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.

The players

Samuel Basallo

The Baltimore Orioles catcher who successfully challenged the called ball, resulting in the game-ending strikeout.

Albert Suarez

The Texas Rangers pitcher who threw the pitch that was overturned from a ball to a strike, ending the game.

Baltimore Orioles

The MLB team that defeated the Texas Rangers 8-3 in this historic game that ended on the first-ever successful ABS challenge.

Texas Rangers

The MLB team that lost to the Baltimore Orioles 8-3 in this game that ended on the first-ever successful ABS challenge.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge moment for the ABS system and the future of umpiring in baseball. It's going to be fascinating to see how this technology continues to impact the game.”

— John Johnson, Sports Writer

What’s next

MLB officials are expected to closely analyze the impact of this historic ABS challenge and how it may influence future rule changes or adjustments to the automated strike zone technology.

The takeaway

The successful ABS challenge that ended this game highlights how the new automated ball-strike system is poised to fundamentally change the way baseball is officiated, blending technology and tradition in a way that will likely be debated for years to come.