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The Yankees spoiled Tony Vitello’s debut as San Francisco Giants manager.

The San Francisco Giants won Saturday’s 7-6 extra-inning thriller in Washington, but the moment that decided it was not a hit or a strikeout. It was a play that Tony Vitello compared to one of the most iconic defensive moments in postseason history.

Willy Adames could not get the force at second with the bases loaded and two outs in the 10th inning. Without hesitation, he threw to first to retire the batter and strand all three runners. The Giants were still alive.

After the game, Vitello reached for the highest possible reference point.

“What it was, was, ‘The hell with it. I’m going to continue on and just keep playing,’” Vitello said. “You would never practice that. You would never talk about that. He wears No. 2. I remember watching the play against the A’s. Jeter is always trying to win, so he just ends up doing the right thing.”

The comparison to Derek Jeter‘s famous flip home in the 2001 ALDS was not made lightly. But watching Adames refuse to quit on the play, Vitello saw the same instinct.

The Play That Saved the Giants

GettyWilly Adames of the San Francisco Giants.

The context made the moment even more significant. Ryan Walker had just surrendered the lead in the ninth inning, allowing a tying run that forced extras and put the Giants in a precarious position. He came back out for the 10th, inherited the bases-loaded jam, and needed something extraordinary to happen behind him.

Adames delivered it. Jorbit Vivas hit a sharp grounder to shortstop, and what followed was pure instinct. Unable to get the force at second, Adames never hesitated, spinning and firing to first to retire Vivas before the winning run could score. The inning was over.

Walker said he never doubted his teammate for a second.

“I wasn’t worried,” Walker said. “I knew he would make the play.”

What Walker Said After the Win

Walker was direct when asked about finding the composure to come back out after the blown save.

“A lot of it just shows the work I put in the offseason, mentally,” Walker said. “I just had an extra fire to go out there. Obviously I didn’t get the job done in the ninth, and I was determined to get the job done in the 10th. That was just my mindset.”

He was equally clear about why he wanted the ball again. It was not about personal redemption.

“I was ready to go,” Walker said. “Not necessarily for my sake, but for the team’s sake, to keep us in it. I was super frustrated with the result of the ninth. Getting back out there in the 10th and getting the job done and then seeing Kilian get to do that is super fun.”

Caleb Kilian pitched the final two innings and earned his first career major league win. Walker’s determination in the 10th made that possible.

What Vitello Said About Walker’s Role

Vitello was clear about the trust the organization has in Walker despite the ninth-inning stumble.

“We trust him in a lot of situations,” Vitello said. “He did not get the official save in that but saved the game with the next situation. He’ll be trusted in the ninth inning and in other spots as well.”

Walker entered 2026 determined to reclaim the closer role after an inconsistent 2025 campaign. Saturday was a test of that resolve.

Final Word for the Giants

Three straight wins. A defense that made extraordinary plays when the moment called for it. And a reliever who did not let a rough inning become a rough night.

Robbie Ray takes the mound Sunday as the Giants chase a sweep. The momentum is real.

Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins