The storied feud between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, already simmering through a century of bad blood, boils over into a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday. After the Red Sox stunned the Yankees 3-1 in the opener behind Garrett Crochet's masterful seven innings, New York clawed back with a tense 4-3 victory in Game 2, forcing this decisive clash at Yankee Stadium. Indeed, the series has lived up to its billing as MLB's most electric postseason matchup, though one can't help but sense the weight of expectations pressing down on both dugouts.
Moreover, the pitching duel shapes up as a critical factor. For Boston, right-hander Kutter Crawford takes the mound as the Game 3 starter, his 3.75 ERA over the regular season offering some stability amid the chaos. Crawford, who logged 28 starts this year, brings a sharp slider that could trouble New York's power hitters if he avoids the early jams that plagued him in September. The Yankees counter with Carlos Rodón, whose velocity has ticked up lately but whose control remains a lingering concern—he's walked 3.2 batters per nine innings in his last five outings. However, Rodón's pedigree in big spots gives the home team an edge, even if the Bronx crowd's roar feels a tad more desperate this time around.
Where to catch the action? Game 3 airs live on ESPN at 7:08 p.m. ET, with streaming options on the ESPN app, MLB.tv, and Fubo for cord-cutters. Local fans can tune into YES Network for Yankees coverage or NESN for the Red Sox feed. Odds tilt slightly toward New York at -140, but Boston's momentum from that Crochet gem suggests nothing's guaranteed. The Red Sox, sitting at 89-73 after a gritty wild card push, have leaned on a rotation that's held firm despite injuries, while the Yankees' 94-68 mark masks deeper bullpen fatigue.
Furthermore, this game's outcome could redefine October narratives for both clubs. Will the Yankees' star-studded lineup finally click, or does Boston's underdog fire prevail? As the first pitch approaches, the question lingers on how these ancient rivals summon one last surge.