For those who wondered how the new ABS challenge system would work in live action, the San Diego Padres successfully used the system to extend a game-winning rally in today’s spring-training game against the Los Angeles Angels.
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 who pitched last year in High-A ball, 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. San Diego ended up winning the contest, 7-3.
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.
The game was an excellent example of the impact challenges can have when they’re used properly. Ty 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 the system lengthening games.
The win also featured pitcher Michael King’s first spring start, which was both impressive and successful. King almost made it through three innings despite being on what was obviously a pitch count, and a solo home run by Angels second baseman Christian Gonzalez was the sole blemish on his pitching line.