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Pirates’ Nick Gonzales Wins ABS Challenge He Tried to Retract

The episode spotlights umpire judgment in a system built on instant player signals.

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows The moment Nick Gonzales decided to challenge the strike call. He'd change his mind less than a second later, Image 2 shows Nick Gonzales learned he couldn't take back an ABS challenge on Friday, Image 3 shows Nick Gonzales couldn't believe home plate umpire Roberto Ortiz went through with the challenge
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Overview

  • Gonzales, facing an 0-2 count in the seventh inning Friday at Wrigley Field, tapped his helmet to challenge a called third strike before turning to walk away.
  • Home-plate umpire Roberto Ortiz initiated the Automated Ball-Strike review after recognizing the signal, despite Gonzales’ apparent attempt to rescind it.
  • The replay system measured the pitch 1.3 inches outside the zone and overturned the strike, extending the at-bat to eight pitches before a flyout to left.
  • Pittsburgh led 2-0 and held on for the win, with the sequence coming after the Pirates had lost a separate ABS challenge in the sixth inning.
  • Under MLB’s new system, each team gets two challenges and keeps them when successful, a structure that has created a tight timing window and put intent calls in the umpire’s hands as players and clubs learn the process.