Diamondbacks’ Pavin Smith walks off Yankees on 2001 World Series celebration night

PHOENIX — In a packed stadium for the 25th anniversary celebration of the 2001 World Series, the Arizona Diamondbacks walked off the New York Yankees 5-3 as they did on that November night in downtown Phoenix.

Instead of a flared single into center field against the greatest closer of all time, Pavin Smith cracked a game-winning two-run home run off Yankees reliever Michael Fulmer.

On the day the @Dbacks celebrate the 2001 World Series Champions, they walk-off the Yankees! pic.twitter.com/8iwz678wHU

— MLB (@MLB) September 20, 2026

Arizona opted to pinch hit Smith for Jose Fernandez with a runner on first base. Smith had been designated for assignment this season and was recently brought back for left-handed hitting help. There were some boos in the crowd when Smith’s name was announced, but he delivered a signature moment of the season when looking at the occasion, the opponent and Arizona’s fight to keep their fleeting playoff hopes alive.

The D-backs improved to 81-74.

American League Cy Young favorite Cam Schlittler started for New York and did not allow a hit until the fifth inning. A Nolan Arenado broken-bat single and Tim Tawa bunt leading to a Schlittler error set the table for Jordan Lawlar. With two outs, Lawlar ripped a 99 mph heater from Schlittler 104 mph off the bat to left-center field for his first career triple.

The D-backs took a 2-1 lead, which did not last. A night after manager Torey Lovullo stressed the importance of the shutdown inning after his offense scores, Kevin Ginkel allowed two solo home runs in the sixth inning.

Arizona got right back in, as Schlittler walked two hitters and gave up a game-tying sacrifice fly to Corbin Carroll. Carroll has been woeful against high heat, but he smacked a 98 mph fastball way above the strike zone to deep left field. Schlittler had not allowed more than a single run in each of his last seven outings, and the D-backs tagged him for three runs in six frames (albeit, only one was earned).

After Ginkel, Arizona’s bullpen was terrific, as Brandyn Garcia and Juan Morillo threw three scoreless innings combined.

Saturday attendance

47,918

Sunday starters

RHP Corbin Burnes (0-0, 5.87) vs. RHP Will Warren (10-6, 3.89)

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