Rockies Earn Historic Win Over Red Sox, Overshadowed By Bench-Clearing Dispute

The Rockies could have used a better kicker for that third extra point.

In a shocking result Wednesday, Colorado crushed the Boston Red Sox 20-7, improving to 38-64 and briefly softening the effects of an otherwise disappointing season. Despite scoring in bushels against Boston, however, Colorado’s weekday victory may be best remembered for extracurricular activities after the top of the fourth inning.

On the way back to the dugout after escaping a jam on a flyout by Reese McGuire, Rockies pitcher Cal Quantrill screamed and pumped his fist. Though Quantrill didn’t seem to be directing it at anyone, he crossed paths with McGuire on the way to first base.

McGuire took issue with Quantrill’s celebration under the assumption that it was done to taunt him. The two began a heated discussion, during which Quantrill escalated the incident by mentioning a 2020 incident in which McGuire was arrested for pleasuring himself in his car.

Both benches cleared as the two continued to exchange words. Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings, who used to be teammates with McGuire, did much of the work to defuse the situation.

“I know Reese from our Pirates days and I knew Cal wasn’t yelling at Reese initially,” Stallings said after the game, according to ESPN. “I just wanted to calm things down before anything got too crazy.”

Quantrill went on to throw six innings, allowing just two runs on six hits. Meanwhile, Colorado’s offense exploded behind him, scoring 13 runs in the first four innings and tacking on another six in the sixth inning alone.

It was a stunning performance in the high altitude for Colorado and no one was more stunned than Red Sox pitcher Nick Pivetta. The 31-year-old  right-hander had a rough month of June but pitched fairly well in July going into his start against the Rockies. He did not get through the third inning Wednesday, allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits. His ERA ballooned from 3.87 to 4.50.

The game does little to affect either team, as the Red Sox remain a fringe contender with several roster questions to answer at the trade deadline while the Rockies try to make the best of a long-lost season. The game will hold some historical significance, however, as it ties the Rockies’ franchise record for runs scored in a single game.