Colorado Rockies game no. 62 thread: Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野智之) vs. Grayson Rodriguez

In Game 1, the Colorado Rockies (23-38) fumbled their way to an ungraceful 9-8 win over the Los Angeles Angels (also 23-38).

As manager Warren Schaeffer put it, “That was not a normal game,” adding,“ but someone’s got to win that game.”

Last night’s win marked the first time since July 16, 2016, at Atlanta that the Rockies picked up a road win after entering the eighth inning trailing by at least three runs. In addition, it marked the fifth time in franchise history that the Rockies won a game in which they had four errors, the first since September 26, 2020, at Arizona.

Take the win, and get on with it.

Tonight, the Rockies will look to take the series from the Angels. Recent history suggests it’s a distinct possibility. The Rockies have won each of their last three series against the Angels, taking two of three at Coors Field last September, two of three in Anaheim in July 2024, and two of three in Denver in June 2023.

Starting for the Rockies is Tomoyuki Sugano (菅野智之). This will be his 12th start for the Rockies in 2026.

The righty has a 4.01 ERA in 58.1 IP. He’s struck out 31, walked 16, and given up 11 home runs. Sugano has a 1.25 WHIP.

Worth noting, making his third career start against the Angels and his second at Angels Stadium, Sugano is 1-0 with a 3.00 ERA (12.0 IP, 4 ER), two walks, and nine strikeouts a cross his two starts against the Angels.

Taking the mound for the Angels will be RHP Grayson Rodriguez.

Currently, he has an ERA of 7.53 in 14.1 IP. He’s struck out 14 while giving up eight walks and two home runs with a 1.31 WHIP.

Here’s an interesting note: Grayson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, Sugano’s former team, and made his MLB debut in 2023. He was traded to the Angels in November 2025, just missing Sugano’s signing with the Birds.

And now to the details.

First Pitch: 7:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

Lineups:

For the visiting Rockies:

And the home Angels:

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