The Arizona Diamondbacks erased a one-run deficit and closed out the New York Yankees 5-3 on a walk-off home run from Pavin Smith in the ninth inning at Chase Field on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Smith's solo blast — his only at-bat of the game — drove in two and handed the D-backs a dramatic two-run victory. With Michael Fulmer unable to get through the final frame and Juan Morillo picking up the win in relief, Arizona turned what looked like a tough loss into a statement night at home.

Pavin Smith Delivers Walk-Off Home Run in the Ninth

It was a one-at-bat, one-homer, two-RBI night for Smith, and that was all Arizona needed. Fulmer entered in a save situation for New York and couldn't hold it — he surrendered a hit, issued a walk, and gave up the Smith home run before recording just one out. That miscalculation by the Yankees bullpen cost New York the game and handed Arizona a comeback win it had to fight for through nine full innings.

Nolan Arenado contributed a steady 2-for-4 night at the plate, keeping traffic moving in the lineup even as Yankees starter Cam Schlittler held the D-backs largely in check through six innings. Schlittler struck out six, allowed only three hits, and gave up just one earned run — a quality start that put Arizona in an early hole it had to overcome late.

Bullpen Battles Define the Middle Innings

Brandon Pfaadt started for Arizona and was removed after 4.1 innings, having allowed one earned run on four hits with three strikeouts and a walk. The bullpen then took over, and the results were uneven but ultimately good enough. Kevin Ginkel had a rough stretch, allowing two earned runs on two hits across one inning — that was the sequence that put New York ahead and made the ninth-inning comeback necessary.

Brandyn Garcia steadied things with 1.2 scoreless innings, surrendering no hits while walking one and striking out one. Morillo then closed it out, throwing 1.1 innings with a strikeout and a walk, allowing nothing. When Smith connected in the bottom of the ninth, Morillo was standing in the record as the winning pitcher.

Yankees Offense Had Its Moments But Couldn't Hold the Lead

New York got production from multiple spots in the lineup. Austin Wells went 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Heliot Ramos also went deep, going 1-for-4 with a solo shot. José Caballero added a 2-for-2 night on base. The Yankees put together enough offense to lead late — they just couldn't keep Arizona from answering when it mattered most.

Key Performances

  • Pavin Smith: 1-for-1, 1 HR, 2 RBI (walk-off)
  • Nolan Arenado: 2-for-4
  • Brandon Pfaadt: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 3 K, 1 BB
  • Brandyn Garcia: 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K
  • Juan Morillo (W): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K
  • Austin Wells: 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Heliot Ramos: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Michael Fulmer (L): 0.1 IP, 1 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

What's Next for Arizona

The Diamondbacks continue their home series against the Yankees at Chase Field. Saturday's walk-off gives Arizona momentum heading into the next game, and the bullpen — despite Ginkel's rough patch — showed it can get through a high-leverage situation when the lineup delivers. For a team in the thick of the regular season stretch run, a comeback win like this one carries weight.