In a historic event at Coors Field in Denver, the home of countless home runs, the first walk-off pitch clock violation in MLB history occurred. Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan was cited for taking too long to throw a pitch with a full count and the bases loaded in the ninth inning, resulting in a walk that forced in the tiebreaking run for the Rockies. The game ended with an 8-7 victory for Colorado.

Finnegan, who leads the league with nine pitch clock violations this season, admitted to not being aware of the clock during the critical moment. "I thought I picked up the clock. I guess by the time I picked up and looked at the catcher and delivered the pitch, I was just a hair too late," he said in disappointment. "Those situations, it just can't happen. We deserved to win, and I wasn't able to do my job."

The pitch clock, introduced by MLB last season, has been a point of contention for players and managers. This season, the allowable time between pitches with runners on base was reduced from 20 to 18 seconds. Finnegan's ongoing struggles with the clock had not affected him until now, but Nationals manager Dave Martinez mentioned that they were concerned about it potentially becoming an issue. Martinez added, "He could have stepped off, but it's a tough situation. That's something that he has to be mindful of."

The Nationals had entered the ninth inning with a 7-6 lead, but the Rockies quickly turned the tide with four consecutive singles, tying the score and loading the bases. Ryan McMahon, facing a 3-2 count after working it from 0-2, benefited from Finnegan's violation and forced in the winning run.

While the outcome left a bitter taste for some, McMahon expressed his satisfaction with the result. "You hate to see a game decided that way, but I'm happy it worked out in our favor," he said. "I'm never looking at the clock. I'm letting the umpire do his job. I didn't know what was going on until the umpire said something."

This incident emphasizes the importance of complying with the pitch clock rules and maintaining awareness of the time limit, especially in critical moments of the game. It remains to be seen how MLB and the players will address the challenges and concerns associated with the pitch clock as the season progresses.