Umpire Bill Miller’s Perfect Challenge Failure Overshadows Reds’ Victory Over Cubs

Cincinnati’s 10-8 triumph over Chicago at Wrigley Field on Friday came with an asterisk: home plate umpire Bill Miller’s historically poor performance using the automated ball-strike system. Miller saw all eight of his challenged calls overturned, making for what appears to be the worst single-game ABS record since Major League Baseball introduced the challenge system at the start of the 2026 season, according to TapToChallenge.com data.

The Cubs capitalized on five successful challenges while the Reds won three, with catcher Carson Kelly leading Chicago’s efforts with four challenges. Reds star Jose Trevino won two reversals, and Cincinnati’s Sal Stewart and Chicago outfielder Seiya Suzuki each secured one successful challenge from the batter’s box. Only two of the eight disputed pitches were initially ruled strikes by Miller.

Miller’s difficult evening began early when his ball call on Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder’s fastball was overturned on the first challenge, confirming the pitch was within the strike zone’s edge. The reversals continued throughout the contest without improvement for the veteran umpire. Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson, who leads the majors with 88 successful overturns in 124 attempts this season, chose not to challenge any calls Friday.

Miller’s struggles with the ABS system are not new. During a Cincinnati game last month, Reds infielder Edwin Arroyo collided with Miller while pursuing a ground ball in the seventh inning, a collision partially responsible for preventing the third out. Relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson was later caught on a hot microphone directing expletive-laden criticism at Miller over his involvement in the play, though Ferguson subsequently apologized for what he called an unprofessional outburst.

Despite Friday’s performance, Miller ranks ninth among MLB umpires with 70 total overturned calls. Hunter Wendelstedt leads the league, followed by Dan Iassogna, Malachi Moore, Lance Barrett and Manny Gonzalez in the standings for most reversals.