The Los Angeles Angels had one of their first extended experiences with the new ABS challenge system in today’s spring-training road game against the San Diego Padres, and while the Angels did win a pair of challenges, they also ended up losing one that helped extend a game-winning rally by the Padres.
The pivotal challenge happened in the bottom half of the sixth inning with the Padres batting (the game was played in Peoria, AZ, which is the site of Padres’ camp) and trailing, 1-0. Angels hurler Chris Cortez, a minor leaguer up from High-A, suddenly lost control of the strike zone, and after a two hits and three walks the Padres suddenly had a 2-1 lead with the bases loaded and nobody out.
The batter who issued the challenge later that inning was Ty France, who was called out on a third strike with two outs that would have shut down the potential rally. But France challenged the call, and the strike was overturned. On the next pitch, France came through with a two-run single that extended the Padres’ lead to 4-1 as they took control of the game. The Padres ended up winning, 7-3, despite three Angels' home runs.
There were other challenges in the game, as both teams were aggressive in using the ABS system. Angels prospect Raudi Rodriguez thought he had a walk during his second at-bat, but Padres catcher Luis Campusano challenged the call and won, which resulted in a strikeout that sent Rodriguez back to the dugout after he’d already made his way to first base.
The Angels also issued a pair of successful challenges, but they weren’t quite as impactful. Catcher Logan O’Hoppe challenged the first pitch to shortstop Zach Neto, which was ruled a ball, and it was overturned. Neto proceeded to strike out. Second baseman Omar Martinez also successfully got a strike overturned, but it didn’t result in a hit or a walk during that at-bat, but Martinez also had a solo shot during a later at-bat.
The game was an excellent example of the impact challenges can have when they’re used properly. France issued his challenge in a high-leverage situation late in a close game, a strategy that will likely be employed by many teams going forward. The challenges were issued and resolved quickly and efficiently, which is promising given some of the concerns that have been expressed about extending games.
There were some impressive moments in this one for the Angels, however. Rodriguez also had a single and stole a base against Padres starter Michael King, and second baseman Christian Moore belted a hanging King breaking ball over the wall in left for his first home run of the spring. Outfielder Jo Adell also homered in the loss, and pitcher George Klassen was impressive in his first spring start, striking out three hitters in two scoreless innings.