New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty made unwanted history during Sunday’s doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first batter in Major League Baseball to have a bases-loaded walk overturned into an inning-ending called third strike under the league’s automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system.
In the first inning of the opener, plate umpire Ryan Blakney originally ruled a ball four on a full-count pitch, which would have forced in a run. Baty began moving toward first base, but after a challenge, the ABS system reversed the call to a strike, ending the inning instead of giving New York a 1-0 lead. Blakney was challenged four times in the inning, with three calls overturned, and players won four of seven challenges.
Colorado went on to win the opener 3-1, with Jose Quintana earning his first win of the season after allowing two hits in 5 1/3 innings. The Rockies also won the nightcap, with a 3-0 shutout, completing a three-game series sweep.
Offensively, the Mets managed just one run across the doubleheader and six hits, with only one extra-base hit. New York’s pitching included Nolan McLean, allowing two runs (one earned) in five innings in the opener, while Kodai Senga lasted 2 2/3 innings in the second game with three runs allowed, three hits, three walks, and one strikeout.
The Mets have now lost 15 of their last 17 games, slipping to a 9-19 record overall. They will open a three-game set against the Nationals on Tuesday night at Citi Field, their first matchup this season against a National League East rival.
New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty made unwanted history during Sunday’s doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies, becoming the first batter in Major League Baseball to have a bases-loaded walk overturned into an inning-ending called third strike under the league’s automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system.