It’s never easy facing your old crew, but Jake McCarthy, outfielder for the Colorado Rockies, made it look simple on Saturday. He singled twice and drove in a run against his former team, the Arizona Diamondbacks, helping lift Colorado to a gritty 4-2 victory at Coors Field. The win mattered more than the scoreline suggested—it snapped a two-game skid and eveninged the series at 1-1 after a humiliating 9-1 loss earlier that same day.
The game started at 3:10 ET under clear skies in Denver, with 34,405 fans packed into the stands. Here’s the thing about baseball at altitude: momentum shifts fast. After getting blown out earlier on May 16, 2026, the Rockies needed a statement. They didn’t just want to stop the bleeding; they wanted to prove they could compete with their National League West rivals when it counted.
Sugano Steals One from the D-backs
While McCarthy handled the offense, the real story was on the mound. Tomoyuki Sugano, starting pitcher for the Rockies, delivered a masterclass in control. The Japanese veteran threw 5 1/3 innings of two-run ball, barely giving the Diamondbacks anything to chew on. No walks, no wild pitches, just precise location.
"He evaded trouble throughout his outing," noted MLB.com’s video coverage, highlighting how Sugano kept the D-backs’ lineup guessing. It was a stark contrast to the previous night’s disaster, where the Rockies’ pitching staff looked lost. Sugano’s calm demeanor seemed to settle the entire clubhouse.
On the other side, Eduardo Rodriguez, starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, took the loss. He fell to a 4-1 record on the season after surrendering three runs on nine hits over 5.1 innings. Rodriguez isn’t having a bad year by any stretch, but facing the Rockies at Coors is always a test. The thin air plays havoc with fly balls, and Rodriguez had to adjust mid-game to keep the damage contained.
Offensive Sparks Ignite Comeback
The Rockies’ offense didn’t explode, but it did enough. Mickey Moniak stepped up with two RBIs, including an RBI single off Rodriguez. Then there was TJ Rumfield, whose RBI single added insurance runs. But it was McCarthy who stole the show—emotionally, if not statistically.
Playing against your former team carries weight. McCarthy knew the bullpen patterns, the catcher’s signs, the quirks of the umpiring crew (Home Plate Umpire Ryan Blakney, First Base James Jean, Second Base Nick Mahrley, Third Base Marvin Hudson). He used that knowledge to get on base twice and drive in the go-ahead run. "You don’t forget where you’ve been," McCarthy said post-game, though he refused to dwell on the past. "Today was about now. About this team."
Mickey Moniak’s clutch hitting provided the punch. His RBI single came in the third inning, breaking a 1-1 tie. It was the kind of hit that changes the energy in a ballpark. You can feel it—the crowd gets louder, the players stand taller. For the Rockies, it was a much-needed boost after the drubbing earlier in the day.
Standings and Series Implications
This win improved the Rockies’ record to 19-31 (.380), while the Diamondbacks dropped to 25-23 (.521). Both teams remain behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (31-19, .620) in the NL West. The Rockies sit 12 games back; the D-backs are five adrift. It’s a long season, and every win counts toward playoff positioning or, at the very least, pride.
The series wasn’t over yet. A rubber match was scheduled for Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Coors Field. In hindsight, we know the Diamondbacks won that game 8-6 to take the series. But on Saturday night? The Rockies believed they could win three straight. That belief matters. It keeps young teams fighting even when the odds are stacked against them.
What This Means for the Season
For the Rockies, this was a small victory with big implications. Snapping a losing streak at home is crucial. Coors Field has been a mixed bag all season—8 wins and 12 losses so far. Turning it around requires consistent pitching and timely hitting. Sugano showed what’s possible. McCarthy proved he can deliver under pressure.
For the Diamondbacks, the loss was a setback but not a catastrophe. They’re still above .500 and within striking distance of the Dodgers. Eduardo Rodriguez will bounce back—he’s too talented to let one tough outing define his season. The key will be avoiding another 9-1 style collapse like the one earlier on May 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jake McCarthy perform against his former team?
Jake McCarthy singled twice and drove in one run for the Colorado Rockies in their 4-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 16, 2026. His performance was pivotal in snapping the Rockies' two-game losing streak and evening the series at 1-1.
Who pitched for the Rockies in the win?
Tomoyuki Sugano was the winning pitcher for the Rockies. He threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing only two runs on minimal hits. His controlled outing was a stark contrast to the team's previous struggles and helped secure the 4-2 victory.
What was the context of the series before this game?
Earlier on May 16, 2026, the Diamondbacks had defeated the Rockies 9-1 at Coors Field. This 4-2 win by the Rockies evened the series at 1-1, setting up a decisive rubber match on Sunday, May 17, which the Diamondbacks ultimately won 8-6.
How do these teams rank in the NL West?
After this game, the Rockies were 19-31, sitting 12 games behind the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers (31-19). The Diamondbacks fell to 25-23, placing them 5 games back in the National League West standings.