Arenado Grand Slam Lifts D-backs Over Yankees, 8-4

Arizona rallies from a 4-1 deficit behind Nolan Arenado’s grand slam to take the series 2-1 and keep its postseason hopes alive.

The Arizona Diamondbacks closed out their regular-season home schedule with a comeback to remember.

Trailing by three runs midway through Sunday’s game, the D-backs erupted for seven unanswered runs to defeat the New York Yankees 8-4 at Chase Field, taking the three-game series 2-1 and keeping their postseason hopes alive.

The victory capped a memorable weekend at Chase Field as Arizona celebrated the 25th anniversary of its 2001 World Series championship, bringing the franchise’s championship legends and memories back to the ballpark.

Before the first pitch, several D-backs players were recognized with Arizona Baseball Writers Association awards.

Gabriel Moreno was named Most Valuable Player, Eduardo Rodriguez received the Most Valuable Pitcher award, Brandyn Garcia was named Rookie of the Year and Kevin Ginkel received the Good Guy Award.

The pregame celebration continued with one of Arizona’s most recognizable sports figures taking the mound.

Arizona Cardinals legend and 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Larry Fitzgerald delivered the ceremonial first pitch to D-backs outfielder Corbin Carroll, officially closing the book on Arizona’s regular-season home slate. 

Fitzgerald was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 8, 2026. The 17-year NFL wide receiver finished his career with 1,432 receptions and 17,492 receiving yards, ranking second all time in the NFL in both categories. The 11-time Pro Bowler also was named the 2016 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year, recognizing his impact in the community.

With Fitzgerald’s pitch setting the tone, the D-backs and Yankees delivered a game that featured momentum swings, big swings and a dramatic comeback.

Yankees strike first with power

Arizona opened the scoring in the bottom of the first inning.

Nootbaar and Ketel Marte reached on singles before Geraldo Perdomo followed with a single to right-center field, allowing Nootbaar to score and giving the D-backs an early 1-0 lead.

The Yankees answered in the third.

Heliot Ramos launched a solo home run to left field with two outs to tie the game at 1. Luis Garcia Jr. followed with a single before George Leonard Jr. crushed a two-run homer to right field, putting New York ahead 3-1.

The Yankees’ dugout and traveling fans came alive as “Let’s go Yankees” chants echoed throughout Chase Field.

Spencer followed with another home run, this one a solo shot to deep right field, extending New York’s lead to 4-1.

Arizona starter Corbin Burnes was unable to escape the inning and was lifted after the Yankees’ three-homer outburst. Ryne Nelson entered to finish the frame.

Burnes finished with 66 pitches, including 38 strikes, over 2 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits and four runs, walked two and struck out two.

Arenado changes the game

The D-backs began chipping away in the fifth.

Nootbaar opened the inning with a double. Marte followed with a single to left, moving Nootbaar to third, and Moreno drew a walk to load the bases.

Yankees starter Warren was pulled after 4 1/3 innings and 83 pitches, 49 for strikes. He allowed six hits and one run, walked three and struck out four.

With the bases loaded, Carroll drew a walk to bring Arizona within two.

Then came the swing that changed everything.

Nolan Arenado launched a grand slam to left field, sending Chase Field into a frenzy and putting the D-backs back in front 6-4.

It was Arenado’s ninth career grand slam, his third of the season and his 27th home run of the year.

The D-backs had erased a three-run deficit in a matter of moments.

Arizona pulls away

Arizona added to its lead in the seventh.

Moreno opened the inning with a single before Perdomo ripped a triple to deep right field, bringing Moreno home and making it 7-4.

Carroll followed with a single to right field, allowing Perdomo to score and pushing the D-backs’ advantage to 8-4.

The Yankees turned a double play to end the inning, but the damage had been done.

Arizona’s pitching staff kept New York off the scoreboard down the stretch, protecting the four-run advantage.

In the ninth, Loaisiga returned to close out the game. After Wells reached on a single, the D-backs turned a double play to end the threat and secure the 8-4 victory.

Justin Martinez earned the win for Arizona.

A memorable finish

The announced attendance was 37,755 as D-backs fans watched their team finish its regular-season home schedule with a comeback victory and a series win over one of baseball’s most historic franchises.

After falling behind 4-1, Arizona responded with seven unanswered runs, highlighted by Arenado’s grand slam and a two-run seventh inning.

The 8-4 victory gave the D-backs a 2-1 series win over the Yankees and kept their postseason hopes alive as the regular season came to a close. ♦︎