Realmuto’s ABS challenge seals Phillies’ season-saving win

J.T. Realmuto ended Philadelphia’s Game 2 win with a challenge as well as a catch. The Phillies catcher requested an automated ball-strike review of Andrew Painter’s final pitch Wednesday, turning a called ball into the strike that finished a 4–3 victory over Atlanta in 10 innings.

The Braves had two runners aboard and two outs when Painter threw an inside fastball to Dominic Smith on an 0–2 count. Plate umpire Adam Beck called it a ball. Realmuto immediately used Philadelphia’s remaining challenge.

The review confirmed a strike. Smith was out, the game was over and the National League Wild Card Series was tied at one game apiece.

According to Yahoo Sports’ report, it was the first game-ending ABS challenge in postseason history.

The sequence showed how much a single retained challenge can matter in October. Without a successful review, the at-bat continues with the tying and winning runners already on base. With it, Philadelphia survives to play the deciding game.

Painter delivered the pitch. Realmuto made sure its location received the final check.

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