Controversial Ending in Rockies vs. Pirates Game

Saturday night’s game between the Colorado Rockies and the Pittsburgh Pirates concluded in a rather contentious manner.

The Rockies’ Jake McCarthy kicked things off with an inside-the-park home run off the Pirates’ Paul Skeens. Colorado took home a 2-1 victory, but as the game reached the top of the ninth, it seemed like the Pirates had a chance to equalize.

In a critical moment, Pirates batter Jake Mangum grounded out to third base, where Rockies infielder Kyle Kalos charged the ball. Both he and runner Billy Cook arrived at the base simultaneously. Initially, the umpires ruled everyone safe, which would have allowed the game to end in a tie. Kalos, visibly shocked, signaled for his manager to challenge the decision.

After a discussion among the umpires, Cook was deemed to have interfered with Kalos. Manager Don Kelly of the Pirates was understandably upset by the ruling.

“The runner was unable to avoid the defender while fielding the baseball, so he was called out. It’s pretty simple,” explained crew chief Todd Tichenor to reporters after the game.

Coach Kalos remarked that Cook’s cleats had “kind of pinched” his glove during the play. Kelly acknowledged that Cook had indeed contacted Kalos’ glove but questioned why the umpires had to gather around for so long to make a call that seemed straightforward.

Cook, meanwhile, commented that he hadn’t seen the contact until reviewing the replay. “It was disappointing in the end,” he added, reflecting on the play.

Pittsburgh’s only run came from a home run by first baseman Spencer Horwitz in the first inning. Colorado’s other run was scored by TJ Rumfield, who brought McCarthy home.

With this win, the Rockies now sit at 30-47 for the season, while the Pirates have a record of 38-39.