2026 Yankees Blow Lead and Fall to the Padres in Extra-Inning Thriller
On Wednesday night, the New York Yankees picked up their 80th win of the 2026 season by defeating the Los Angeles Angels and winning the season series overall. Friday night began the Yankees’ three-game set against the San Diego Padres. Both teams were tied at one run heading into extra innings; this is when the game really picked up as New York scored a run at the top of the 10th, but it would be a walk-off two-run homer by catcher Luis Campusano to secure a 3-2 win for San Diego. Carlos Rodón will get the start for the Yankees tomorrow night, and he’ll be going up against Padres Robbie Ray.
Yankees Cannot Find Offense Until Late In-Games
During Wednesday's win, New York scored five of their six runs at the top of the tenth inning. Tonight was no different, as the Yankees scored one run through the first nine innings, and another run didn’t come around the bases until the 10th. This cannot keep happening, especially in September. The Yankees need to get the offense going and get the win in those nine innings; the offense cannot afford to wait to heat up until late in games. If New York wants to find success for the rest of the 2026 season and into the postseason, all nine guys in the lineup need to play their best baseball. Friday it was Ben Rice; Wednesday it was Cody Bellinger; the Yankees offense cannot be based upon one man. Everyone needs to be at their best the final month of the season.
San Diego Holds Pressure on Final NL Wild Card Spot
With this win, the Padres are now 74-67. San Diego sits a half game over their division rival Arizona Diamondbacks for the last Wild Card spot in the National League. If they continue to hold the pressure against the Yankees and other upcoming opponents like the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants, then that last playoff spot could be the Padres for the taken. Any win is satisfying in this position. This Friday night victory may not have gone the way San Diego expected, but nonetheless they got the job done and will look to get the wins to hold the last NL Wild Card spot.
