Umpire Overruled 6 Times by Automated Ball-Strike System

Controversial umpire C.B. Bucknor faced multiple calls reversed by new MLB technology.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:13am

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In a close 11-inning game between the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox, veteran umpire C.B. Bucknor had a total of six pitch calls overturned by the league's new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system, including two consecutive called third strikes. The Reds went on to win the game 6-5 on a walk-off single by Dane Myers.

Why it matters

The ABS system, which uses advanced computer vision and analytics to automatically call balls and strikes, has been a controversial introduction to Major League Baseball. Umpires like Bucknor, who have decades of experience, have struggled to adapt to the new technology overriding their judgment, raising questions about the future role of human officials in the sport.

The details

In the 11-inning affair, the ABS system determined that Bucknor incorrectly called six pitches, including two consecutive called third strikes in the 9th inning that should have been balls. This led to the game-tying home run by the Red Sox's Wilyer Abreu, sending the game to extras.

  • The game took place on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • The Reds won the game 6-5 in 11 innings.

The players

C.B. Bucknor

A veteran MLB umpire who has faced criticism for inconsistent strike zone calls throughout his career.

Dane Myers

The Cincinnati Reds player who hit the game-winning walk-off single in the 11th inning.

Wilyer Abreu

The Boston Red Sox player who hit the game-tying home run in the 9th inning.

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What’s next

The MLB will likely review Bucknor's performance and consider whether further umpire training or accountability measures are needed as the league continues to integrate the new Automated Ball-Strike technology.

The takeaway

The introduction of automated ball-strike calling has exposed the limitations of veteran human umpires, raising questions about the future role of officials in a sport increasingly reliant on advanced analytics and computer vision to ensure fairness and consistency in the strike zone.