We have a new record for most ABS challenges in a game

WEST SACRAMENTO -- The new ABS challenge system has certainly changed the game for hitters, catchers and pitchers. But on Thursday, Cardinals skipper Oliver Marmol offered a good reminder of its impact on managers, too.

After a thrilling 5-4 victory over the Athletics, Marmol was finally catching his breath in the manager’s office in the visiting clubhouse when he heard the numbers. Thursday’s game featured a whopping 12 ABS challenges, nine of which were successful.

“Nine overturned? That means I would have been in here in the third inning last year,” Marmol joked.

This time, though, there was no need for an untimely ejection for arguing balls and strikes -- even in a game that saw the ABS system tested more than it has been in any Major League contest through the first two months of the season.

Thursday’s 12 challenges between the two clubs -- seven from the A’s and five from the Cardinals -- surpassed the previous high of 11, set during the Twins-Royals game on April 1 and equaled by the Rockies and Padres on April 10. Both of those April contests also featured nine overturns.

The series finale in West Sacramento featured challenges in a host of important moments -- none bigger than in the bottom of the ninth, just after the Cardinals had taken the lead with a pair of two-out runs in the top of the frame. On a 2-2 sinker at 99.3 mph to A’s catcher Shea Langeliers, St. Louis closer Riley O’Brien appeared to catch the corner of the strike zone. Home-plate umpire Felix Neon ruled the pitch a ball, but Cardinals backstop Iván Herrera promptly tapped his helmet to signal a challenge.

When replay showed Herrera’s instincts were correct, Langeliers was rung up for the first out of the inning -- a massive call with Nick Kurtz aboard at first base and the heart of the order coming up.

“Especially in a close game like this, we know how it is,” Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker said. “One pitch can sway the game.”

Not every challenge occurred in a situation with such high stakes -- José Fermín lost one of St. Louis’ challenges on a 1-0 pitch with two outs and nobody aboard in the second inning -- but they happened in a steady stream throughout the game.

Langeliers went 3-for-4 behind the plate for the A’s, Herrera was 2-for-2 for the Cardinals, and six different hitters tried their hand at challenges, going 4-for-6 in all.

“Langeliers is a good catcher back there,” Walker said. “He has a great eye. You’ve just got to kind of fight with him on that, and I feel like the same thing with Iván on our side. It’s just super cool to see.”

While Thursday’s challenge frenzy marked a new Major League best so far, it wasn’t particularly new to players who came up while the ABS system was being tested in the Minors (it expanded to all of Triple-A by 2023).

Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy, who allowed just one run on a leadoff homer from Kurtz in six innings on Thursday, knows the feeling well.

“There have been times in my Triple-A career where I’ve been getting absolutely whacked, where every challenge goes the hitter’s way,” he said. “So I definitely know what that’s like.”

McGreevy had just one pitch challenged all day: With two outs in the sixth, A’s right fielder Carlos Cortes successfully appealed a low strike call on a changeup, turning a 1-2 count into a 2-1 advantage. Still, Cortes lined out two pitches later, ending the inning and McGreevy’s afternoon.

The St. Louis pitcher had the benefits of a big team win and another solid outing of his own, but he, for one, didn’t seem to mind a challenge-laden day at the yard.

“I’ve learned over the Minor League season that sometimes the days are just like that where it’s just a ton,” McGreevy said. “Everyone’s feeling good about the challenges, and sometimes they just work out. It’s no diss to the umpire.”