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Sometimes technology changes the game. And sometimes… it wins you pizza. That’s exactly what happened at Great American Ball Park, where Cincinnati Reds fans got a delicious reward thanks to Major League Baseball’s new Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system.
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The ABS operator sits in the press box at LECOM Park during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Mar. 7, 2025. Major League Baseball is testing an Automated Ball-Stike (ABS) challenge system at select spring training parks. The system allows players to challenge a limited number of ball/stike calls during a game. Calls can be overturned if the pitch tracking technology shows an umpire got a call wrong.
One of the most entertaining elements of the new ABS challenge system isn’t just getting calls right; it’s the crowd reaction. Fans have quickly embraced the drama of challenges, erupting when a call is overturned in their team’s favor. But in Cincinnati, the stakes were even higher.
The Reds have a popular promotion with local chain LaRosa’s Pizzeria called “Strikeouts for Slices.” The deal is simple:
Heading into the ninth inning of a 7–2 win over the Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati sat at 10 strikeouts. They needed just one more.
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brock Burke (49) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2.
With Brock Burke on the mound and Edouard Julien at the plate, the moment arrived. On a 1–2 count, Burke fired a 98 mph fastball that just clipped the outside edge—or so it seemed. The call? Ball. But Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson wasn’t letting that stand. Even with a five-run lead, he immediately signaled for a challenge.
The ABS system reviewed the pitch and confirmed what Stephenson believed. The ball had caught the zone by 1.1 inches. Strike three. Strikeout number 11. Free pizza for everyone. The crowd erupted.
“I guess that was kind of like the perfect storm to get the pizza,” Stephenson said after the game.
This moment perfectly captures what MLB is hoping to achieve with ABS:
It’s not just about getting calls right; it’s about adding excitement. In Cincinnati, the ABS system didn’t just change a call. It changed the menu. And for one night, baseball, technology, and pizza came together for a perfect and delicious ending.
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MORE: Yankees call up top prospect to make MLB debut Wednesday
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The ABS operator sits in the press box at LECOM Park during a spring training game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, Mar. 7, 2025. Major League Baseball is testing an Automated Ball-Stike (ABS) challenge system at select spring training parks. The system allows players to challenge a limited number of ball/stike calls during a game. Calls can be overturned if the pitch tracking technology shows an umpire got a call wrong.
ABS Delivers More Than Just Accuracy
One of the most entertaining elements of the new ABS challenge system isn’t just getting calls right; it’s the crowd reaction. Fans have quickly embraced the drama of challenges, erupting when a call is overturned in their team’s favor. But in Cincinnati, the stakes were even higher.
The Reds have a popular promotion with local chain LaRosa’s Pizzeria called “Strikeouts for Slices.” The deal is simple:
- If Reds pitchers record 11 strikeouts in a home game
- Fans in attendance can redeem their ticket for free pizza
Heading into the ninth inning of a 7–2 win over the Colorado Rockies, Cincinnati sat at 10 strikeouts. They needed just one more.
You must be registered for see images attach
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Brock Burke (49) throws a pitch in the ninth inning of the MLB National League game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Colorado Rockies at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. The Reds won the opening game of the series, 7-2.
The Moment That Changed Everything
With Brock Burke on the mound and Edouard Julien at the plate, the moment arrived. On a 1–2 count, Burke fired a 98 mph fastball that just clipped the outside edge—or so it seemed. The call? Ball. But Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson wasn’t letting that stand. Even with a five-run lead, he immediately signaled for a challenge.
The ABS system reviewed the pitch and confirmed what Stephenson believed. The ball had caught the zone by 1.1 inches. Strike three. Strikeout number 11. Free pizza for everyone. The crowd erupted.
“I guess that was kind of like the perfect storm to get the pizza,” Stephenson said after the game.
Technology Meets Fan Experience
This moment perfectly captures what MLB is hoping to achieve with ABS:
- More accurate calls
- More fan engagement
- More memorable moments
It’s not just about getting calls right; it’s about adding excitement. In Cincinnati, the ABS system didn’t just change a call. It changed the menu. And for one night, baseball, technology, and pizza came together for a perfect and delicious ending.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
Continue reading...
