Just days into the 2026 season, MLB’s new ABS challenge system has already been part of some huge moments. Late in Sunday’s 8-6 win over the Twins, the Orioles took advantage in one of the highest-leverage tests of the system so far.
The O’s overturned not one but TWO pitches with the tying run at the plate in the top of the ninth inning, flipping a walk into a huge strikeout for the second out of the frame and holding on to win.
First, Baltimore closer Ryan Helsley’s 3-0 pitch to Josh Bell was ruled a ball, but catcher Adley Rutschman successfully challenged the call. After Bell fouled off the 3-1 pitch, Helsley’s 3-2 pitch — a slider on the outside corner — was also called a ball. As Bell began jogging down to first base, Helsley tapped his hat to challenge the call. The result? Strike three, just 0.3 inches from the edge of the zone.
“I think our guys used the challenges really well today, even Helsley, which was a weird one,