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The Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates had a classic game that ended in controversy Saturday night.
Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy led off the game with a leadoff inside-the-park home run off Pirates star Paul Skenes to start the game. Colorado prevailed with a 2-1 victory, but the Pirates thought they had tied the game in the top of the ninth inning.
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Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly argues with umpire Todd Tichenor after a force out ended the ninth inning against the Colorado Rockies in Denver on June 20, 2026. (David Zalubowski/AP)
Pirates slugger Jake Mangum hit a grounder against Rockies third baseman Kyle Karros. The infielder charged the ball and simultaneously encountered base runner Billy Cook. The referees declared everyone safe on the field, which would have led to a draw. Karros was in disbelief as he signaled to his manager to challenge the call.
After the umpires met, Cook was called for interference with base runners. Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly was angry.
“The runner failed to avoid the fielder as he fielded the ball; therefore, he was challenged. It’s very simple,” crew chief Todd Tichenor told a poolside reporter after the game, via MLB.com.
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Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes throws against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning of a baseball game in Denver on June 20, 2026. (David Zalubowski/AP)
Karros said Cook’s cleat “kind of cut my glove” during the play.
Kelly said he agreed that Cook hit Karros’ glove as he ran toward third base. However, he didn’t understand why the referees had to come together to make the decision correct.
Cook added that he didn’t think he made contact until he saw the replay.
“It’s really unfortunate how this turned out,” he continued.
Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz homered in the first inning – it accounted for Pittsburgh’s only run in the loss.
TJ Rumfield had the other RBI for Colorado. He marked McCarthy.
Jake McCarthy of the Colorado Rockies returns to the dugout after hitting an inside-the-park home run against Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Paul Skenes in the first inning of a baseball game in Denver on June 20, 2026. (David Zalubowski/AP)
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Colorado improved to 30-47 on the year. Pittsburgh fell to 38-39.
