Unsung Hero

One rival from the AL East took him down. Now, there’s something new on the horizon.

With a combination of a rookie pitcher throwing heat and a strategy focused more on action than waiting for a home run, the Yankees completed their comeback against the Red Sox in the AL Wildcard Series, advancing to the ALDS against the Blue Jays.

Cam Schlittler shone brightly, delivering an impressive performance by striking out 12 batters in eight shutout innings, leading to a 4-0 victory over the Red Sox in Game 3. This clinched the series for the Yankees at home, drawing a crowd of 48,833.

At just 24, Schlittler impressed even the most die-hard Red Sox fans before getting picked by the Yankees in 2022. He set the record for the most strikeouts by a rookie in franchise postseason history and continued to ascend, starting the season at Double-A.

His early innings saw him routinely hurling 100 mph fastballs and sinkers, putting the weight of the Yankees’ October aspirations on his shoulders while dominating a fierce Red Sox team that had threatened to end their season after winning Game 1.

This victory was significant—it marked the first playoff series win for the Yankees against the Red Sox since 2003, when Aaron Boone faced losses in both the ALCS and a wild card game in 2021.

Furthermore, it was the first postseason series win for the Yankees against any non-AL Central teams since a one-game wildcard against the Athletics in 2018.

Going into the ALDS in Toronto on Saturday, the Yankees look to shake off a disappointing regular season record of 4-9 against the Red Sox, while the Blue Jays managed to win the season series 8-5.

Historically, 15 out of 15 Game 1 winners have advanced in the Wild Card Series since the playoffs expanded in 2022, although the Yankees broke that trend.

Schlittler started strong, throwing 14 pitches in the first inning and hitting triple digits on the radar gun. He recorded his fastest pitch ever at 100.7 mph, striking out Nathaniel Lowe. He even notched two more strikeouts in the third, one being Romy Gonzalez with another fast sinker.

However, Red Sox rookie Connelly was also strong on the mound, keeping the game scoreless early with his own strikeouts, posing a challenge for the Yankees.

Cody Bellinger’s blooper to right-center marked the start of the fourth inning. Bellinger hustled for a double, then Giancarlo Stanton walked, setting the stage for another run.

After an early strikeout, Amed Rosario brought in Bellinger with a single to put the Yankees on the board, 1-0.

A wild pitch allowed Anthony Volpe to get on base as the bases loaded up, creating potential for more scoring.

Next up, Austin Wells reached for a catch but a challenge from the Red Sox overturned it, leaving the Yankees in a good spot. Wells then let another pitch slip past him, which allowed two more runs to score, pushing the lead to 4-0.

It looked like the Yankees were finally getting things to go their way. They took control, pressuring the Red Sox to play a more aggressive game, yet the visitors struggled to respond.

Schlittler, undeterred, finished the night with five singles scattered against him and no walks. Initially set to wrap it up after seven innings and 100 pitches, he surprisingly returned for an eighth, earning a standing ovation.

After striking out his 12th batter, Ryan McMahon made an incredible play at third base, solidifying Schlittler’s impressive outing.

David Bedner took over in the ninth, sealing the game and sparking celebration among the home crowd.