One of the tightest division races in baseball will be featured in a unique viewing experience this week as MLB's digital-only national broadcasts continue with the D-backs-Rockies bout on Thursday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
The clash between National League West foes will air live in the United States exclusively on Facebook. It's one of 25 streaming broadcasts scheduled throughout 2018 as part of MLB's partnership with Facebook.
Fans can tune in at www.facebook.com/MLBLiveGames or by logging onto Facebook's MLB live page from their phones, tablets, smart TVs or other streaming devices.
MLB Network will produce the game with play-by-play man Scott Braun, analysts Josh Collmenter and Glendon Rusch and in-game reporter Jackie Redmond handling broadcasting duties in Denver. Both teams will be represented within the booth. Collmenter represents the visiting D-backs; he played in six seasons with Arizona from 2011-16. The Rockies' broadcasting tie is to Rusch, a southpaw who wrapped his 12-year pitching career in the Mile High City in 2008-09.
How to watch on mobile and desktop
1. Search for "MLB Live" on Facebook
2. Follow the "MLB Live" show page
1. Download the Facebook video app on your TV or streaming device and search for "MLB Live"
2. Or stream the game from your phone to a TV on the same WiFi network by tapping the TV icon.
What to know about the D-backs-Rockies game
The D-backs and Rockies are locked in a narrow three-way race with the Dodgers for the NL West crown. Colorado entered the week with a narrow lead for first in the division and this three-game series represents the final meeting between the Rockies and D-backs at Coors Field before they finish their season series next weekend at Arizona's Chase Field.
Clay Buchholz will toe the rubber for the D-backs; the 12-year veteran has emerged as a crucial cog in the Arizona rotation after signing a Minor League contract with the club in May upon his release from the Royals. He's held opponents to two or fewer earned runs in 14 of his 16 starts with the club.
The Rockies will counter with left-hander Kyle Freeland, who's enjoying a breakout campaign in his second season. Freeland picked up his 14th win his last time out, holding the Dodgers to one run on four hits and a walk with eight strikeouts in six innings of work.