Orioles beat Rangers after MLB's first-ever game-ending ABS challenge

The first week of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System has provided plenty of highlights across MLB. Wednesday’s matinee between the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers provided an historic moment in the technology’s history: the first game-deciding challenge.

The Orioles led the Rangers 8-3 with two outs in the top of the ninth inning. Rangers outfielder Evan Carter was at-bat with a 1-2 count. Albert Suárez’s pitch was judged by home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez to be outside for a second ball. Baltimore catcher Samuel Basallo immediately tapped the top of his head to signify a challenge.

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The result? Ballgame over. Orioles win.

“I think we had two [challenges remaining] at that point,” Basallo said through a translator, via the Associated Press. “I thought why not use it? Better to use it and see what happens instead of holding onto it.”

The win improved the Orioles' record to 3-3 to cap off a six-game homestand to open the season. They'll hit the road beginning Friday with games at the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox.

When asked about his opinion on ABS Suárez said, via MLB.com’s Jake Rill, "I think I like it more after what happened today.”

This wasn’t the first time an ABS challenged helped the Orioles in a big spot. On Sunday, Minnesota Twins manager Derek Shelton was ejected after he erupted over a decision that was made in the ninth inning of an 8-6 loss.