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Marte Misses Challenge Call, Arizona Falls 5-4

7/18/2026

41 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Arizona's Ball/Strike challenge system was unused when second baseman Ketel Marte did not contest the final strike that ended a 5-4 loss to St. Louis.
Marte said via translator he expected a ball but got a two-seamer and was surprised.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he will speak to Marte about mistake on Saturday.
Marte also made an error that produced two unearned runs and was pickoffed in the ninth.

History

Historical Context

MLB first adopted a limited instant-replay system on August 28 2008 under Commissioner Bud Selig, reviewing 123 boundary calls through 2010 and overturning 48. After a 2014 expansion gave managers one challenge per game, the Diamondbacks’ ball-strike review has remained idle, prompting Commissioner Rob Manfred to consider a mandate to avoid repeats like the 5-4 loss to Arizona.

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Story summary

Arizona's Ball/Strike challenge system was unused when second baseman Ketel Marte did not contest the final strike that ended a 5-4 loss to St. Louis.
Marte said via translator he expected a ball but got a two-seamer and was surprised.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo said he will speak to Marte about mistake on Saturday.
Marte also made an error that produced two unearned runs and was pickoffed in the ninth.

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