Alex Cora, Terry Francona React To Red Sox-Reds Opening Day ABS System Challenges
· Yahoo Sports
Alex Cora, Terry Francona React To Red Sox-Reds Opening Day ABS System Challenges originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Visit betsport.cv for more information.
The Boston Red Sox didn't wait long to test out MLB's new automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system.
The Red Sox went 2-for-3 on ABS system challenges on Thursday during their Opening Day 3-0 win vs. the Cincinnati Reds.
Star outfielder Roman Anthoy won an important challenge in the top of the ninth inning to turn a would-be strikeout into a walk.
Both Boston manager Alex Cora and Cincinnati leader Terry Francona discussed the newly instituted rule following the contest.
Cora pointed to shortstop Trevor Story's fifth inning at-bat as a missed opportunity for the Red Sox to win another challenge.
"You just have to make sure. There was one early where Trevor is in that situation again, he'd probably challenge," Boston's eighth-year man at the helm said, according to an Associated Press and ESPN report. "We thought the pitch was up. We don't mind him challenging there because it changes the whole thing, right? We were talking about it. It's a different ballgame now."
Despite seeing Anthony's strikeout overturned and earlier having Reds designated hitter Eugenio Suarez's walk switched to a punchout, Francona didn't complain about the massive change to America's pastime.
"I think our pitchers are going to have to get used to thinking the inning might be over, and it's not," the former two-time World Series champion Red Sox manager said. "It's almost like when a guy comes out and you say, 'Hey, way to go. Can you get one more?' So, you're going to have to stay dialed in."
More MLB: Marcelo Mayer Gushes Over Aroldis Chapman After Red Sox's Opening Day Win