The Boston Red Sox won 3-0 over the Reds on Opening Day of the 2026 season, largely thanks to the new automated strike challenge rules. The new system, commonly known as the ABS Challenge System, allows players to challenge an umpire's ball-or-strike call in real time to reverse a critical call. Each team begins a game with two challenges, if successful, the team retains the challenge. The most significant challenge came in the ninth inning when Roman Anthony challenged a called third strike, which resulted in a walk and a 1-0 lead. The system's success was attributed to Anthony's sharp plate discipline and ability to capitalise on his position at the top of the lineup.