The Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees are locked in a tense American League Wild Card Series, with Game 3 set for Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. After the Red Sox stunned the Yankees 3-1 in the opener on Tuesday, thanks to ace Garrett Crochet's masterful eight-inning performance, New York bounced back decisively in Game 2, winning 4-2 to force the decider. Indeed, the Yankees' bullpen, led by closer Clay Holmes, shut down Boston late, while Aaron Judge's two-run homer in the fifth proved pivotal. Now, both teams are on the brink, and the winner advances to face the Guardians in the Division Series.
For Boston, the spotlight falls on their Game 3 starter, Brayan Bello, who's expected to take the mound around 4:08 p.m. ET. Bello, with a solid 3.74 ERA this season, brings a mix of sinker and changeup that could trouble New York's lineup if he locates early. However, his recent postseason inexperience— this is his first playoff start—adds a layer of uncertainty. The Red Sox rotation has been shuffled amid injuries, relying heavily on Crochet and now Bello, while Tanner Houck remains sidelined. Boston's offense, powered by Jarren Duran and Rafael Devers, must capitalize quickly against the Yankees' probable starter, Nestor Cortes, who's 3.77 ERA belies his crafty lefty delivery but falters under pressure.
Where to catch the action? ESPN will broadcast Game 3 nationally, with streaming available on the ESPN app for subscribers—perfect for cord-cutters. MLB.TV offers out-of-market viewing for $29.99 per month, though blackouts apply in the New York and Boston areas. Indeed, local fans can tune into YES Network for Yankees coverage or NESN for the Red Sox feed. Radio options include WFAN in New York and WEEI in Boston. Moreover, free highlights and recaps will flood social media post-game, but nothing beats the live tension.
This rivalry, ever the powder keg, reminds us how baseball's oldest feuds can swing on a single pitch. What twists await in this eliminatory clash?