Pavin Smith's two-run homer propels D-backs past Yankees 5-3
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 20, 2026, 5:24 AM
Last updated Sep 20, 2026
Pavin Smith hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lead the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees on September 19th. Ildemaro Vargas opened the ninth with a walk, and after a strikeout from Jordan Lawlar, Smith's pinch-hit blast came off Michael Fulmer. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the D-backs and brought them within four games of the final NL wild card spot. New York's Cam Schlittler pitched well, allowing three runs, one of which was unearned, and striking out six Batters. The teams meet again for the second game of the series featuring starters Corbin Burnes for Arizona and Will Warren for New York.
- •Arizona Diamondbacks win 5-3 against New York Yankees.
- •Smith's homer occurs in the ninth inning.
- •D-backs now four games behind final NL wild card.
- •New York experiences 11 walk-off losses this season.
- •Next game features Burnes vs. Warren.
- 6:07 AMESPN MLB — Once waived Smith keeps D-backs in playoff hunt with walk-off
- 4:49 AMYahoo Sports — Two months after getting cut, Pavin Smith's game-ending homer gives D-backs playoff hope
- 3:41 AMYahoo Sports — Pavin Smith's 2-run, game-winning homer lifts D-backs over Yankees 5-3, helps slim playoff hopes
"Pavin Smith hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the Arizona Diamondbacks over the New York Yankees 5-3 on Saturday night, giving the D-backs' slim playoff hopes a boost. Ildemaro Vargas started the ninth with a walk, winning an ABS challenge on a full-count pitch initially called a strike. After Jordan Lawlar struck out, Smith pinch hit and drove a cutter from Michael Fulmer (0-1) into the right-field seats.
"Torey Lovullo has said the same phrase several times over the past seven years, even as fans and sometimes reporters rolled their eyes at the Arizona Diamondbacks manager's optimism. “Pavin Smith can hit,” Lovullo would say. Entering as a pinch-hitter, the left-hander ripped a cutter from Michael Fulmer over the right-field wall.
"Pavin Smith, a former highly-touted prospect who was waived by the Diamondbacks two months ago, may have saved Arizona's season with a walk-off homer vs. the Yankees to stay alive in the wild card race.
Sources
External links- ESPN MLBSep 20, 2026, 6:07 AMOnce waived Smith keeps D-backs in playoff hunt with walk-off
Pavin Smith, a former highly-touted prospect who was waived by the Diamondbacks two months ago, may have saved Arizona's season with a walk-off homer vs. the Yankees to stay alive in the wild card race.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 4:49 AMTwo months after getting cut, Pavin Smith's game-ending homer gives D-backs playoff hope
Torey Lovullo has said the same phrase several times over the past seven years, even as fans and sometimes reporters rolled their eyes at the Arizona Diamondbacks manager's optimism. “Pavin Smith can hit,” Lovullo would say. Entering as a pinch-hitter, the left-hander ripped a cutter from Michael Fulmer over the right-field wall.
- Yahoo SportsSep 20, 2026, 3:41 AMPavin Smith's 2-run, game-winning homer lifts D-backs over Yankees 5-3, helps slim playoff hopes
Pavin Smith hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning to lift the Arizona Diamondbacks over the New York Yankees 5-3 on Saturday night, giving the D-backs' slim playoff hopes a boost. Ildemaro Vargas started the ninth with a walk, winning an ABS challenge on a full-count pitch initially called a strike. After Jordan Lawlar struck out, Smith pinch hit and drove a cutter from Michael Fulmer (0-1) into the right-field seats.
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