How the ABS System Works

• Initiating a Challenge: Immediately after a questionable call, press Down on the D-Pad. Your player will tap their helmet, signaling the appeal.
• Challenge Limits: Each team starts with two challenges per game.
  • Successful challenges are retained.
  • Failed challenges are lost.
• Extra Innings Bonus: If you’ve used both challenges, teams get one extra challenge per extra inning.
• Where It Works: ABS is active in offline modes like Franchise and Road to the Show, but disabled in Diamond Dynasty and competitive online matches where umpires are always “Perfect.”

Strategic Tips for Winning with ABS

1. Target High-Leverage Moments

Don’t waste challenges on early-inning, low-pressure counts like 0-0 or 1-0. Save them for situations that can swing the game:

• 3-2 Full Counts: Overturn a ball into a strikeout, or a strike into a walk. These calls can decide the inning—or the game.
• Runners in Scoring Position: Prevent a run by challenging a missed strike with a runner on third.

2. Pick Your Challenges Wisely

Look for pitches that "paint the corners"—any shadow of the ball touching the strike zone is a high-percentage candidate.

• Batter’s Side: Challenge to avoid a strikeout when the pitch is clearly outside.
• Pitcher/Catcher Side: Challenge if a strike is incorrectly called a ball, especially with two strikes on the batter.

3. Study Umpire Tendencies

Notice if the home plate umpire consistently misses certain zones, like the outer edge. Late-game challenges in these areas are often worth it.

Quick Reference Table

Pro Tip

If ABS slows down your gameplay, toggle it off under Settings > General > Rules.

Using the ABS system smartly is like having a secret weapon. Play the high-leverage counts right, study the umpire, and you’ll turn small mistakes into game-winning moments.