Nolan Arenado Goes Deep vs Former Team in First D-backs At-Bat

In his very first at-bat as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks, third baseman Nolan Arenado blasted a home run to left-center field against his long-time former team.

It was the first run in what would eventually turn into a 3-2 win over the Colorado Rockies. Arizona begins Cactus League play 1-0.

Arenado's homer came on the third pitch of the at-bat — an ill-placed slider hanging in optimal position. The ball traveled 403 feet, flying 102.3 MPH off the bat. He exited the game after just two at-bats, going 1-for-2.

Arizona Diamondbacks Rally to Beat Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks' Nolan Arenado during spring training workouts at Salt River Fields on Feb. 16, 2026, in Scottsdale. | Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The veteran third baseman was one of four D-backs "regulars" to collect a base hit. Pavin Smith delivered the first knock of Arizona's Cactus League play in the first inning; shortstop Geraldo Perdomo ripped a 107 MPH single in the sixth inning and outfielder Alek Thomas collected a hustle double in the second — going 1-for-1 with a walk on the day.

Top prospect Ryan Waldschmidt had a difficult game, going 0-for-3 at the plate with two groundouts and a strikeout, although he did hit a ground ball 115.6 MPH in the second inning.

On defense, a fly ball got past him in left field in the fourth inning for a Rockies RBI triple for a 2-1 Colorado lead. It's still early for the 23-year-old outfielder, who will have plenty of opportunity this spring to show he's capable of a promotion.

More Content: Diamondbacks' Top Prospect Facing Massive Opportunity

Staring at a 2-1 deficit, Arizona's minor league contingent put together a rally in the eighth inning. outfielder A.J. Vukovich and infielder Jacob Amaya singled, and catcher Matt O'Neill doubled to flip the score 3-2 in favor of Arizona.

No. 5 prospect Tommy Troy laced a 100 MPH double in the ninth inning. He finished 1-for-2, but reached on an error in his other at-bat.

Diamondbacks Pitching Shuts Down Rockies

On the pitching side, Friday's starter — right-hander Thomas Hatch — tossed a scoreless first inning, including a strikeout of former Diamondbacks outfielder Jake McCarthy. Hatch exited after just the one frame.

Young right-hander Andrew Hoffmann followed Hatch, and threw a scoreless inning of his own with two strikeouts. Both punchouts were the result of an ABS challenge — as catcher Gabriel Moreno successfully overturned two called balls into strikes.

Moreno executed three successful challenges in the first two innings of Friday's game, going 3-for-4 total. O'Neill was successful in his only attempt.

Right-handers Bryce Jarvis, Taylor Rashi and John Curtiss each threw scoreless innings, as did left-hander Philip Abner. Right-hander Isaiah Campbell was responsible for the Rockies' only two runs.

Righty Jose Cabrera pitched the final two frames, escaping a jam to secure the save.