The New York Yankees dropped a brutal 13-inning walk-off decision to the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, falling 5-4 at Target Field. New York had chances to put this one away but couldn't deliver the knockout blow, ultimately watching John Schreiber take the loss after the Twins pushed across the winning run in the bottom of the 13th. It was the kind of extra-innings gut-punch that stings — a one-run game that slipped away after more than four hours of baseball.

Zebby Matthews Dominates, But Yankees Offense Squanders Early Opportunity

The pitching matchup was genuinely impressive from both sides early on. Minnesota's Zebby Matthews was nearly untouchable through six innings, allowing just two hits while striking out eight and walking two. That is a dominant outing by any measure, and the Yankees' lineup had no real answer for him in the first half of the game.

Carlos Rodón gave the Yankees six innings on his end, striking out five while allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks. It was a serviceable start — Rodón kept New York competitive — but the Yankees needed more run support than they could generate against a Twins staff that pieced together a strong collective effort.

Volpe and Bellinger Carry the Offensive Load

When the Yankees did produce offensively, it came from familiar names. Anthony Volpe went 2-for-5 with two RBI, continuing to be one of the more reliable bats in New York's lineup. Cody Bellinger was equally active at the plate, going 3-for-5, though he was unable to drive in a run despite the contact. Three hits in a 13-inning game is a productive night — Bellinger made pitchers work and put himself on base repeatedly.

The problem was that New York left opportunities on the table. With a lineup that collected hits from multiple spots, the Yankees finished with four runs — enough to tie, but not enough to win.

Bullpen Holds, Then Breaks Down at the Worst Moment

After Rodón exited, the Yankees turned to a parade of arms. Clarke Schmidt worked two-thirds of an inning, striking out two. Brent Headrick followed with a clean 1.1 innings, punching out two more without allowing a hit. Paul Blackburn added a scoreless inning. David Bednar was exceptional, covering two full innings with two strikeouts and allowing just three hits while posting zeroes on the scoreboard.

Then came the 13th. John Schreiber entered and was unable to escape the inning unscathed — allowing the hit and walk that set up the Twins' walk-off. Tommy Nance earned the win for Minnesota by tossing a clean final inning on the other side.

Minnesota's Walk-Off Completes the Comeback

The Twins also benefited from strong performances by Ryan Kreidler, who hit a home run and drove in a run, and Luke Keaschall, who went 3-for-5 with an RBI. Minnesota's offense was patient and productive in the extra innings, taking advantage of the automatic runner rule to manufacture the decisive run against Schreiber in the 13th.

The Twins overcame a one-run deficit at some point in the game, adding a layer of frustration to the loss from the Yankees' perspective. New York had the lead and let it get away.

Key Performers

Yankees

  • Anthony Volpe: 2-for-5, 2 RBI
  • Cody Bellinger: 3-for-5
  • David Bednar: 2.0 IP, 2 K, 0 ER (in relief)
  • Carlos Rodón: 6.0 IP, 5 K, 2 ER

Twins

  • Luke Keaschall: 3-for-5, 1 RBI
  • Ryan Kreidler: 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Zebby Matthews: 6.0 IP, 8 K, 0 ER

What's Next

The Yankees and Twins are scheduled to continue their series, so New York will have an immediate shot at a response. After a loss this close — one run, 13 innings, a walk-off — the only cure is getting back on the field and winning. The Yankees left enough on the base paths Wednesday to know the offense is capable. The question is whether they can be sharper when the game is on the line in the late innings.