Why didn't Reds use ABS challenge in final at-bat vs Cubs? | Reactions

Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Brock Burke faced the Chicago Cubs' Michael Busch with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th inning in a 6-6 game at Wrigley Field, and Burke's first pitch to Busch looked like it may have clipped the strike zone.

Home plate umpire Tom Hanahan called it a ball, and Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson didn't challenge. Busch walked on five pitches, and the Cubs won 7-6, spoiling Tejay Antone's first MLB appearance since April 2024 in addition to a ninth-inning rally.

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Why didn't Stephenson, who entered the game at catcher in the bottom of the ninth inning after pinch-hitting for Jose Trevino earlier that inning, use the Reds' ABS challenge?

Social media reactions to the non-challenge:

Game changer of a non challenge by Tyler Stephenson. pic.twitter.com/C5BDbkUv2o

— Chatterbox Sports (@CBoxSports) May 7, 2026

Bases loaded in the tenth and you don’t challenge this. What are we doing, Tyler?? #Redspic.twitter.com/NiaViZFu1w

— Chase Dunnette (@ChaseDunnette) May 7, 2026

glad Stephenson took that challenge home with him definitely didn't need to use it or anything

— Evan (@Ecraven19) May 7, 2026

How did Stephenson not challenge pitch 1 of that last PA…

Have a challenge, clear strike and YOU CAN NOT WALK HIM!!!

— Will (@willyt2234) May 7, 2026

What is Stephenson possibly saving a challenge for with the bases loaded and two outs on the first pitch??

And why are we intentionally walking people when our pitchers walk everyone anyway? pic.twitter.com/ekfFAVB3GN

— jibs (@CincyJibs) May 7, 2026

I can’t believe Stephenson didn’t challenge 1st pitch of last at bat, it was a strike and we have a challenge. We are to conservative with challenges near the end of games.

— James (@JamesMa23159970) May 7, 2026

Tyler Stephenson did not challenge a strike on the first pitch of the last batter. Brutal man.

Walked off three days in a row. Home Run. Single(error). Walk. 3 blown leads. If this isn’t the basement for this team then it is going to be a very rough season

— Queen City Reds (@queenCityReds) May 7, 2026

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Why didn't Reds use ABS challenge in final at-bat vs Cubs? | Reactions

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