The New York Yankees fell to the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-3 on Saturday night in Phoenix after a walk-off hit in the ninth inning. The game featured pivotal moments on both sides, with the Diamondbacks rallying late to secure the victory.
Yankees starter Cam Schlittler pitched six innings, allowing three runs—one earned. He struck out multiple batters but struggled with fielding, including a critical error on a bunt attempt by Tim Tawa in the fifth inning that contributed to a scoring opportunity for Arizona. Schlittler also surrendered a key two-run triple to Diamondbacks’ ninth hitter Jordan Lawlar during the same inning, which put Arizona ahead 2-1. Schlittler himself acknowledged responsibility for the runs allowed, conceding his error hurt the team’s chances.
The Yankees responded with two solo home runs in the sixth inning off Diamondbacks reliever Kevin Ginkel. Heliot Ramos and Austin Wells each went deep, restoring a 3-2 lead for New York. However, the Diamondbacks tied the game later in the sixth when Ryan McMahon mishandled another bunt attempt, loading the bases with no outs. Corbin Carroll delivered a sacrifice fly to even the score at 3-3.
In the late innings, the Yankees used relievers Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn to bridge the gap to the ninth. Manager Aaron Boone opted to bring in Tanner Fulmer for the ninth inning, foregoing closer David Bednar for a two-inning save. After walking a batter to start the inning, Fulmer allowed a cutter over the plate to Pavin Smith, who hit a game-winning home run to seal the victory for Arizona.
On the injury front, Aaron Judge was placed on the Yankees’ 10-day injured list retroactive to Thursday due to a right calf strain that casts doubt on his postseason availability. Meanwhile, Jazz Chisholm Jr., sidelined with a right thumb sprain, has resumed hitting and throwing in preparation for a likely activation early in the upcoming homestand starting Tuesday.
The loss marks a setback for the Yankees as they approach the postseason, with matters made more complicated by key injuries and a late-game collapse in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks capitalized on the Yankees’ miscues to secure a walk-off win, improving their standing with the victory.