Tyler Stephenson sparks feel-good scene that had Reds fans buzzing

Cincinnati Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson is a man of the people, and he proved it during Tuesday's victory over the Colorado Rockies. With the Reds leading 7-2 during the top of the ninth inning, Stephenson challenged the umpire's call on a 1-2 pitch. Upon review, ABS revealed that the pitch was strike, which resulted in the 11th strikeout of the evening and free pizza for those in attendance.

LaRosa's Family Pizzeria has a nightly promotion at Great American Ball Park called 'Strikeouts for Slices'. When Reds pitchers combine for 11 strikeouts during any home game throughout the 2026 season, every fan in attendance can present their ticket at a local LaRosa's Pizzeria for a free small one-topping pizza.

Tyler Stephenson and the Reds are using ABS to their advantage

Stephenson has been one of the best catchers to use the ABS challenge system this season. After Tuesday night's flip from ball to strike, the Reds backstop is now 10-for-15 (67%) on the season. Fellow Reds' catcher P.J. Higgins, who was just optioned to Triple-A Louisville over the weekend, was a perfect 4-for-4 during his time in the big leagues. Altogether, Reds catchers are 14-for-20 on the year (70%).

Interestingly enough, Stephenson has a pretty good feel for the strike zone when he's in the batter's box as well. He's 3-for-3 using ABS challenges as a batter this season. Outfielder Will Benson and third baseman Eugenio Suárez have also been perfect when challenging the umpire's original call.

Some Reds players, however, are not as adept as Stephenson. Outfielder Dane Myers is a paltry 1-for-5 when calling for an ABS challenge, and Spencer Steer is 0-for-2. Even Elly De La Cruz has struggled to get a call overturned, going 1-for-3 through the first few weeks of the 2026 season.

The ABS challenge system has injected some electricity into Major League ballparks across the country, and GABP has been no exception. The anticipation of the umpire's call being upheld over overturned has become a focus of fans in attendance this season.

The overall reviews of ABS — from everyone except perhaps the umpires — have been overwhelmingly positive. Those Reds fans who'll have full stomachs after Tuesday's win surely love the new dynamic ABS has brought to game of baseball.

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