It’s a classic West Division clash on Thursday night, with the Arizona Diamondbacks hosting the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field in Phoenix. The series opener kicks off at 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time (7:40 p.m. local Mountain Time), setting the stage for a four-game set that runs through Sunday. For fans wondering how to catch every pitch, the options range from dedicated streaming services to over-the-air broadcasts, depending on where you’re sitting.
The stakes are decent, though the records tell a tale of two different seasons so far. The Dbacks sit at 25-23, hovering near .500, while the Rockies are struggling at 19-31. It’s not just about winning; it’s about survival in a competitive division. Here’s the thing—baseball is unpredictable. One hot streak can flip a season upside down. That’s what makes this matchup worth watching, even if one team looks like the clear underdog.
Pitching Matchup: Freeland vs. Kelly
The duel on the mound features Colorado left-hander Kyle Freeland, pitcher for the Colorado Rockies against Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly, pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks. On paper, neither arm is having a stellar year. Freeland carries a 1-4 record with a lofty 6.00 ERA, suggesting he’s been giving up too many earned runs per nine innings. Kelly isn’t much better, sitting at 2-3 with a 7.62 ERA. Oddly enough, when both starters are struggling, the game often comes down to bullpen depth and timely hitting.
Turns out, the Diamondbacks’ offense is doing its job despite the pitching woes. They rank 11th in Major League Baseball in runs scored, tallying 221 total runs—that’s an average of 4.6 runs per game. It’s not elite production, but it’s enough to keep them in contention. For the Rockies, the question is whether they can generate enough power to exploit these mediocre pitching matchups.
Key Players to Watch
If you’re looking for stars to track, the Diamondbacks have a few standouts. Infielder Ildemaro Vargas is on fire, boasting a .331 batting average, .351 on-base percentage, and .530 slugging percentage through 41 games. He’s already hit 7 home runs and driven in 32 runs. Then there’s outfielder Corbin Carroll, who brings speed and power with a .285 average and 7 homers. His .395 on-base percentage shows he knows how to get on base, which is crucial in tight games.
On the Rockies side, the lineup has been quieter. But players like Ketel Marte (.235 avg) and Nolan Arenado (.278 avg) provide veteran presence. Arenado, in particular, offers consistency with 25 RBIs and 7 home runs in 45 games. Shortstop Geraldo Perdomo is still finding his rhythm, batting .224, but his defense remains solid. The twist here? If Vargas keeps up his pace, he could be the difference-maker in this series.
How to Stream and Broadcast
For viewers in the Rockies’ television territory—which includes Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho—the broadcast landscape is specific. In-market fans can watch via ROCKIES.TV, available through DIRECTV channel 683, Xfinity/Comcast channel 1262, Spectrum channels 130 or 445 (depending on location), and Fubo streaming service. TDS TV+ also carries the games on channel 243 for some areas.
But wait—if you’re outside that territory, you’ll need standard MLB.TV. Just note that MLB.TV All Teams subscribers cannot stream Rockies games if they’re located in Colorado; they must purchase the separate Rockies.TV package. It’s a blackout rule designed to protect local broadcasters, and it catches many casual fans off guard.
Radio fans have it simpler. Rockies games are exclusively on KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM throughout the 2026 season. Diamondbacks radio coverage is on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Campesina 101.9 FM, and 860 AM. No alternative English-language partners are listed for the Rockies, making KOA the go-to spot for audio-only listeners.
Local TV Partnerships and Free Options
Here’s a silver lining for budget-conscious fans. The Rockies have partnered with 9News, the local NBC affiliate, to simulcast 10 home games for free over-the-air. These airings happen on KTVD channel 20, with five additional games on KUSA/9News. The schedule started on Opening Day, April 3, 2026, against the Philadelphia Phillies, and continues on select Fridays plus August 1 and August 19, 2026. If you have an antenna, you don’t need a cable subscription to catch these key matchups.
Series Schedule and What’s Next
This four-game series doesn’t end after tonight. Games continue on:
- Friday, May 22: 9:40 p.m. ET
- Saturday, May 23: 10:10 p.m. ET
- Sunday, May 24: 4:10 p.m. ET
After Phoenix, the Diamondbacks head to San Francisco to face the Giants on May 25 and 26. The Rockies travel to Los Angeles for a tough stretch against the Dodgers on the same dates. Tickets for all games are available through StubHub, the official ticket partner mentioned in recent announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is starting pitcher for the Rockies?
The Rockies will start left-handed pitcher Kyle Freeland. He currently holds a 1-4 win-loss record with a 6.00 ERA as of May 21, 2026. While his numbers aren't strong, his experience provides stability for the rotation during this critical part of the season.
Can I watch the game for free?
Yes, if you are in the Rockies' local market. The team has partnered with 9News to simulcast 10 home games over-the-air on KTVD channel 20 and KUSA. However, this specific May 21 game may not be part of that free selection, so check the local TV guide. Outside the market, you'll need a paid streaming subscription like MLB.TV.
What time does the series start?
The first game begins at 9:40 p.m. Eastern Time (7:40 p.m. Mountain Time) on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Subsequent games follow at 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday, 10:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, and 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday. Always verify times locally as daylight saving adjustments can affect clock displays.
Which player is performing best for Arizona?
Infielder Ildemaro Vargas is leading the charge for the Diamondbacks. Through 41 games, he boasts a .331 batting average, 7 home runs, and 32 RBIs. His .530 slugging percentage indicates significant power, making him the most dangerous offensive threat in this series for the visiting team.
Where can I listen to the radio broadcast?
Rockies fans can tune into KOA 850 AM or 94.1 FM for exclusive English-language coverage. Diamondbacks fans should listen to Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Campesina 101.9 FM, or 860 AM. These stations provide play-by-play commentary throughout the entire four-game series.
