Lombard's Daring Slide Ignites Yankees Comeback Against Rays

WHO:

NY Post - George Lombard Jr. is a rookie shortstop for the Yankees.

MLB.com - Liam Hicks is the catcher for the Rays.

MLB.com - Anthony Volpe is a batter for the Yankees.

MLB.com - Cam Schlittler is a pitcher for the Yankees.

MLB.com - Matt Blake is the pitching coach for the Yankees.

WHAT:

NY Post - Lombard's slide helped the Yankees score a run in the seventh inning against the Rays.

MLB.com - Lombard scored the Yankees' third run of the evening after a slide on a wild pitch.

MLB.com - Schlittler finished the regular season with a 1.95 ERA, the lowest in the American League since 2022.

MLB.com - Schlittler struck out five Rays, ending the season with 239 strikeouts, tied for the fourth most by a Yankee in a single season.

MLB.com - Schlittler's 1.95 ERA is the third best in Yankees history.

WHERE:

NY Post - The game took place in The Bronx.

MLB.com - Schlittler's performance was noted in the Yankees' clubhouse.

WHEN:

MLB.com - Lombard's slide occurred during a game on a Thursday.

MLB.com - Schlittler's final start of the regular season was his 33rd.

WHY:

MLB.com - Lombard's background as a soccer standout contributed to his unique sliding ability.

MLB.com - Schlittler's strong performance in the final nine starts helped him separate himself in the Cy Young conversation.

HOW:

MLB.com - Lombard avoided a tag from Hicks by stopping short and then slapping his right hand on home plate.

MLB.com - Schlittler's pitch count was limited to 70 in his final start to prepare for the postseason.

(UPDATED September 25, 2026 03:00 UTC)

In a thrilling game in The Bronx, rookie shortstop George Lombard Jr. executed a remarkable slide to score the Yankees' third run against the Rays, showcasing his unique skills honed from his soccer background. Meanwhile, pitcher Cam Schlittler capped off his regular season with an impressive 1.95 ERA, the lowest in the American League since 2022, and struck out five Rays, finishing the season with 239 strikeouts, tying for the fourth most by a Yankee in a single season. Schlittler's performance has put him firmly in the conversation for the Cy Young award, as he limited his pitch count to 70 in preparation for the postseason.