Orioles, Rangers Now Tied Together Forever in Odd MLB Lore

It was only a matter of time, right?

Major League Baseball implemented the highly praised Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) Challenge System this season and it has been a doozy. There are very few downsides to the system, if any. Teams have a few challenges throughout a game and if used correctly, it leads to more accurate calls. What more could you ask for? Sure, there have been some viral mishaps so far this season with umpires. But the ABS System is working. The challenges lead to almost immediate responses that don't really make the game longer and in the process makes the calls more accurate. That is positive.

We're about one week into the 2026 MLB season and now we have seen a bit of history thanks to the ABS System. On Wednesday, the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers faced off and the game was ended on a challenge.

The Rangers, while staring at an 8-3 deficit, had Evan Carter at the bat with a 2-2 count in the top of the ninth inning. Orioles hurler Albert Suárez tossed a fastball to the top right-hand corner of the strike zone. Initially, it was called a ball. But Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo challenged the call and was correct. Strike three. Game over. The first of its kind with a game ending on a correct challenge.

History was made in Baltimore

Mar 18, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Albert Suarez (49) talks with catcher Adley Rutschman (35) at the end of the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

This game between the Orioles and Rangers is the first-ever to end on a ABS challenge pic.twitter.com/4hC22pMkOk
— Lunar Surfer (@TheLunarSurfer) April 1, 2026

A game ending challenge for the Orioles today! Another ABS milestone for Major League Baseball

The Orioles are now 6/7 on challenges defensively pic.twitter.com/mkvFQ79q2r
— Baseball Unstitched (@BaseUnstitched) April 1, 2026

Now, the Orioles were up 8-3, as mentioned above. It's not like this contest was a nail-biter and the challenge completely changed the game. It ended it, but didn't change the game entirely. This surely won't be the last time we see a game end on a play like this. It's going to be even more interesting when it happens in a close game. Or better yet, a playoff game.v

The ABS System adds a bit more strategy to the game. When do you use your challenges? Are there certain situations to avoid? Is there a certain time in the game to do it? It's been a fun addition to the game so far and has quickly made an improvement to the product on the field.

This example from Baltimore is a perfect example. That pitch from Suárez initially was called a ball. What if the call stood and then all of a sudden Texas rallied? That's a bit of an aggressive take, but still. The Orioles challenged, leading to the correct call being made. It helps the game of baseball.