When Mike Soroka, starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks takes the mound against Michael Lorenzen, starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies, baseball fans have a clear choice to make: head to Coors Field in Denver, Colorado or tune in from home. The matchup kicks off on Sunday, May 17, 2026, with first pitch scheduled for 3:10 p.m. ET. It’s a mid-week regular-season clash that carries weight for both teams as they navigate their respective standings.
The Diamondbacks arrive with a 21-23 record, looking to tighten their grip on a playoff spot, while the Rockies sit at 18-28, fighting to keep pace in a competitive National League West. Here’s the thing about this specific game: it’s not just about who wins or loses. It’s about how you watch it. With blackout rules and streaming platforms changing the landscape of sports viewing, knowing exactly where to find the broadcast is half the battle.
Who’s Pitching and Why It Matters
Soroka brings experience and poise to the mound for Arizona. His ability to control the strike zone will be tested by a Rockies lineup that thrives in the thin air of Denver. On the other side, Lorenzen offers velocity and power pitching for Colorado, but he’ll face a Diamondbacks offense that knows how to exploit any mistakes.
The stakes? For the D-backs, every win counts toward securing home-field advantage down the stretch. For the Rockies, it’s about momentum. A win here could spark a surge; a loss might deepen the slump. Turned out, these mid-May games often set the tone for the second half of the season.
How to Watch: Streaming and TV Options
If you’re in the market, your options are straightforward. You can catch the game live on Rockies.TV or Dbacks.TV, the direct-to-consumer streaming services for each team. These platforms offer full coverage without cable捆绑, though they do require separate subscriptions if you want both feeds.
For those outside the local markets, MLB.TV is your best bet. Just remember: blackouts apply. If you’re within the Rockies’ television territory—which includes Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, and parts of Nebraska, South Dakota, and Idaho—you won’t be able to stream the game via MLB.TV unless you have a single-team subscription (ROCKIES.TV) for $20/month or $100/season.
Cable subscribers should note the following channels:
- DIRECTV: Channel 683 (Rockies), Channel 686 (D-backs)
- Xfinity/Comcast: Channel 1262
- Spectrum: Channels vary by region—check locally
- Fubo: Available in select areas
National networks like ESPN, Fox, and TNT aren’t carrying this particular game, so don’t expect a wide broadcast reach beyond regional and streaming platforms.
Radio Coverage for Audio Fans
Not everyone wants to watch. Some prefer the classic experience of listening to the play-by-play. For Rockies fans, KOA 850 AM / 94.1 FM and KNRV 1150 provide comprehensive audio coverage throughout the season. Diamondbacks listeners can tune into Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Campesina 101.9 FM, and 860 AM.
These radio broadcasts remain unaffected by streaming blackouts, making them a reliable option for fans traveling or unable to access digital platforms.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
This isn’t an isolated matchup. The Diamondbacks and Rockies will meet again later in May, including a series starting Friday, May 22, 2026, also at Coors Field. Those games will feature similar broadcasting arrangements, with additional flexibility for national streaming depending on network allocations.
Keep an eye on official team schedules and MLB.com for updates, especially regarding potential free over-the-air simulcasts on KTVD channel 20 or KUSA/9News, which occasionally air select Rockies home games without subscription requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Diamondbacks vs. Rockies game for free?
Yes, potentially. Select Rockies home games are simulcast on KTVD channel 20 and KUSA/9News, available over-the-air without a subscription. However, the May 17 game has not been confirmed as one of these free broadcasts. Check local listings closer to the date.
Is MLB.TV blocked for this game?
Yes, if you're in the Rockies' or Diamondbacks' home markets. Blackout restrictions prevent streaming via standard MLB.TV subscriptions. In-market fans must use Rockies.TV or Dbacks.TV, or subscribe to the single-team package for $20/month.
Where can I listen to the game on the radio?
Rockies games are broadcast on KOA 850 AM / 94.1 FM and KNRV 1150. Diamondbacks games air on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM, La Campesina 101.9 FM, and 860 AM. Radio coverage is not subject to blackout rules.
Will this game be shown on national TV?
No. This matchup is not included in national broadcasts on ESPN, Fox, or TNT. It will only be available through regional sports networks and streaming platforms like Rockies.TV, Dbacks.TV, and MLB.TV (for out-of-market viewers).
When is the next Diamondbacks-Rockies game?
The two teams will meet again in a three-game series starting Friday, May 22, 2026, at Coors Field. Games are scheduled for 9:40 p.m. ET on Friday and Saturday, and 4:10 p.m. ET on Sunday.
