{
  "id": 8612015,
  "title": "Two months after getting cut, Pavin Smith’s game-ending homer gives D-backs playoff hope",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/two-months-after-getting-cut-pavin-smiths-game-ending-homer-gives-d",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T04:50:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Winnipeg Free Press",
    "slug": "winnipeg-free-press",
    "url": "https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/baseball/2026/09/19/two-months-after-getting-cut-pavin-smiths-game-ending-homer-gives-d-backs-playoff-hope"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Phoenix (AP) — Pavin Smith, who had been sidelined for two months due to bone spurs in his elbow, delivered a game-winning, two-run homer in the ninth inning, giving the Arizona Diamondbacks a crucial 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees. The hit came as Pavin pinch-hit, stealing the spotlight for the team's playoff aspirations.\n\nAt the time of his selection with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2017 amateur draft, Smith had been a mixed bag with the D-backs, posting a .241 career batting average and a .0 wins above replacement value. His journey back to form began in early June following surgery, but he struggled initially. He was then designated for assignment in July after posting a .141 average.\n\nDespite the odds, Smith found his footing again, and Saturday's heroics at Chase Field, with a season-high 47,918 fans in attendance for the team's 25th anniversary celebration of their 2001 World Series win, seemed like a culmination of his resilience. The manager, Torey Lovullo, credited the presence of franchise legends in the crowd for adding to the playoff-like atmosphere.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [
    "Pavin Smith returns from two-month injury to pinch-hit for Diamondbacks",
    "Game-winning two-run homer gives D-backs 5-3 victory over Yankees",
    "Smith's heroics boost playoff hopes for Arizona team"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Pavin Smith's game-ending homer revives his uncertain career trajectory and bolsters the Diamondbacks' playoff chances, capping a comeback story marked by setbacks and resurgence.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Winnipeg Free Press",
        "title": "Pavin Smith’s 2-run, game-winning homer lifts D-backs over Yankees 5-3, helps slim playoff hopes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/pavin-smiths-2-run-game-winning-homer-lifts-d-backs-over-yankees-5-3",
        "published": "2026-09-20T03:42:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}