Automated Strike Zone Challenge System to Debut at SEC Baseball Tournament
The Southeastern Conference is set to become the first in college baseball to utilize an Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system, which will be implemented at the upcoming SEC Baseball Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. The NCAA Baseball Rules Committee approved the SEC's proposal to use the experimental system, which mirrors the technology recently adopted by Major League Baseball.
Under the tournament's rules, each team will receive three challenges per game. A team retains its challenge after a successful appeal but loses one if the umpire's original call is upheld. Only the pitcher, catcher, or hitter can request a review, and it must be done within seconds of the pitch. In extra innings, each team will be granted an additional challenge. The technology will use Hawk-Eye cameras to track each pitch, with every player's specific strike zone predetermined by their height.
"The introduction of this challenge system at the SEC Tournament reflects our continued commitment to innovation," SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. The tournament is scheduled to run from May 19-24 at the Hoover Met.
QUICK HITS
- Missouri Softball's Season Ends in Heartbreak: The Missouri Tigers' season came to a close after a 6-2 loss to Auburn in the first round of the SEC Softball Tournament. Leading 2-0 into the sixth inning, Missouri surrendered four runs in the frame and two more in the seventh, sealing the defeat. The loss drops Mizzou to 28-29 on the season, making them ineligible for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive year.
- Tennessee Baseball Powers On: The Tennessee Volunteers stayed perfect in midweek games, improving to 13-0 with an 8-1 victory over Presbyterian. The Vols showcased their power with four home runs in the win.
- No. 13 Florida Routs UNF: The Florida Gators secured an 11-1 run-rule victory over North Florida in their midweek finale. Pitchers Cooper Walls and Billy Barlow combined to hold the Ospreys to just four hits in the seven-inning contest.
- No. 6 Auburn Handles UAB: On the back of a five-run fifth inning, No. 6 Auburn cruised to a 10-2 victory over UAB in Birmingham. Bub Terrell and Brandon McCraine each tallied three hits for the Tigers.
- Midweek Mayhem: In other regional action, No. 11 Mississippi State defeated Nicholls 21-6, and No. 9 Texas A&M slugged its way to a 16-7 win against Prairie View A&M. No. 19 Alabama was upset by Troy, falling 6-1 on the road.
PORTAL WATCH
There has been no new transfer portal activity across the SEC in the last 12 hours.
RECRUITING BUZZ
There have been no new commitments to any SEC programs in the last 12 hours.
GAMES TO WATCH
SEC Softball Tournament - Second Round (Lexington, Ky. - All games on SEC Network)