Cincinnati Reds at Los Angeles Dodgers

The Los Angeles Dodgers edged out the Cincinnati Reds 9-5 in a matchup where the use of ABS (automated ball-strike) review played a meaningful role in maintaining the game’s pitching and hitting dynamics. Across four total challenges, only one was overturned, signaling a generally accurate strike zone and supporting the integrity of the calls throughout. The Reds issued three challenges, overturning one, while the Dodgers challenged once without success. The plate umpire’s calls were overturned just once, further indicating a consistent zone.

The most pivotal ABS moment came in the bottom of the third inning when the Reds successfully overturned a called strike on Tyler Stephenson. This at-bat-level review, which adjusted the count from 2-2 to 1-3, likely influenced the sequence without changing the immediate pitch outcome, reflecting how ABS can subtly adjust batter-pitcher duel momentum. Other challenges targeting called strikes—one on Sal Stewart in the fifth inning and another on Elly De La Cruz in the third—were confirmed, reinforcing that the umpires managed a reliable zone despite a busy stretch. These calls occurred during key offensive innings, underscoring how ABS played a quiet but firm role in the middle innings where the Dodgers built their lead.