The Rockies — owners of a 21-72 record and a mind-boggling minus-251 run differential — were blanked for six innings by right-hander Lucas Giolito.

The competition – and stakes – will ratchet up for the Red Sox with their four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays starting on Thursday, but the Sox at least took care of their business over

It was the ninth inning of the Red Sox’ 10-2 win over the Rockies on Tuesday. Manager Alex Cora was trusting Bello, who had thrown just 86 pitches, with the final frame. Touching the mound that late into the night is a rare feat for any starting pitcher in the modern baseball landscape, but even more so for Bello, who had never done it before.