The most consequential ABS challenge yet gave Reds fans free pizza
The stakes of that decision could not have been higher.
It's still just the beginning of the MLB season, and we've already seen some big decisions from the automated strike zone challenge system (ABS). But no decision has been more consequential than the Reds' ABS challenge against the Rockies on Tuesday night. It won free pizza for everyone.
When the Reds have 11 strikeouts in a home game ā regardless of the result ā LaRosa's pizza offers fans a free one-topping small pizza, which is redeemable with a game ticket. Heading into the ninth inning against Colorado, the Reds were at 10 strikeouts. And the crowd knew exactly what was at stake when Brock Burke's 1-2 pitch to Edouard Julien was called a ball.
Tyler Stephenson immediately went to his helmet to challenge the call, and the crowd waited in anticipation for the reveal. The scenes were electric. electric indeed pic.
twitter. com/ScTloWZuTC ā Almighty Delhi (@EricLipps) April 29, 2026 See: Where would baseball be without ABS? Certainly not handing out free pizza to the great people of Cincinnati when they deserve free pizza.