Rockies beat Pirates 2-1 after ninth-inning interference call

The Colorado Rockies defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 2-1 on Saturday night after a baserunner interference call ended a potential tying rally in the ninth inning. Rockies outfielder Jake McCarthy opened the scoring with an inside-the-park leadoff home run off Pirates starter Paul Skenes.

Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz answered with a home run in the bottom of the first inning, accounting for Pittsburgh’s only run.

Ninth-inning controversy With the Rockies leading 2-1, Pirates batter Jake Mangum hit a grounder to third baseman Kyle Karros. Karros charged the ball and collided with baserunner Billy Cook. The initial call ruled both players safe, which would have tied the game.

After a conference, the umpires reversed the decision and called Cook out for interference. Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly argued the call, stating that Cook had made contact with Karros’ glove. Crew chief Todd Tichenor explained the ruling to a pool reporter, saying the runner failed to avoid the fielder and was therefore out.

Karros said Cook’s cleat clipped his glove during the play. Cook stated he did not believe he made contact until seeing the replay. T.J. Rumfield drove in the Rockies’ second run. Colorado improved to a 30-47 record. Pittsburgh fell to 38-39.