The Colorado Rockies secured a 2-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates with a game ending in controversy. Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy set the tone early with an inside-the-park home run off Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes.

The game’s pivotal moment occurred in the ninth inning. Pirates batter Jake Mangum hit a ground ball to Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros. As Karros charged the ball, he encountered baserunner Billy Cook. Initial calls on the field had all players safe, which would have led to a tie. Karros disagreed and signaled for a challenge.

After deliberation, umpires ruled Cook out for baserunner interference, sparking ire from Pittsburgh’s manager, Don Kelly. Crew chief Todd Tichenor explained, “The runner failed to avoid the defender in the act of fielding the baseball, therefore, he’s called out.”

Karros mentioned that Cook’s cleat clipped his glove during the play. Despite agreeing on contact, Kelly questioned the need for an umpire huddle.

Though Cook did not initially believe he made contact, replays told a different story. “Just unfortunate how that played out,” he remarked.

Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz’s first-inning home run was the team’s sole score. T.J. Rumfield contributed to Colorado’s win, bringing in McCarthy for another run.

With the victory, Colorado improved to 30-47, while Pittsburgh’s record fell to 38-39.