Orioles lose controversial challenge after Coby Mayo unintentionally triggers review

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The Baltimore Orioles fell victim to an accidental challenge.

In the second inning of the Orioles’ 8-5 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Wednesday, third baseman Coby Mayo was forced to challenge a pitch he didn’t want to.

Mayo took a 3-0 pitch from Diamondbacks starter Eduardo Rodríguez on the outside and began walking toward first base, thinking he had a walk. Instead, home plate umpire John Tumpane called it a strike.

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Orioles' Coby Mayo talks with umpire John Tumpane during the second inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Baltimore, April 15, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)

Mayo expressed his displeasure with the call and raised his right hand toward his helmet, but did not tap his head, as he did not want to challenge the pitch. Tumpane thought he did indeed challenge the pitch and initiated a review.

The call was confirmed to be a strike as Mayo argued he did not challenge the call. The Orioles ended up losing the challenge, one of their two on the day. A replay confirmed that Mayo never actually touched his head.

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Orioles' Coby Mayo celebrates hitting a double against the Arizona Diamondbacks in Baltimore, April 15, 2026. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)

Mayo, however, still had a successful at-bat. On the ensuing 3-1 pitch, Mayo ripped a 91-mph fastball down the left-field line for a double and ended up scoring the game’s first run.

Mayo’s unintentional challenge is one of a few that have occurred so far this season. Last week, Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Nick Gonzales challenged