The rivalry reignites one more time. With the American League Wild Card Series knotted at 1-1, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees head into a winner-take-all Game 3 on Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium. After Boston's gritty 3-1 victory in the opener—thanks to Garrett Crochet's masterful seven innings—the Yankees clawed back with a 4-3 thriller in Game 2, forcing this do-or-die clash. Indeed, the pressure is palpable; one team advances to the Division Series, the other packs its bags for the winter.
For the Red Sox, manager Alex Cora turns to Tanner Houck as the Game 3 starter, a decision that underscores Boston's faith in their young right-hander's poise under fire. Houck, who posted a 3.12 ERA over 32 starts this season, brings that sinker-slider mix that has baffled hitters all year. Yet, questions linger about his stamina in a high-stakes playoff spot—can he go deep enough to spare the bullpen after recent wear? On the Yankees' side, Carlos Rodón takes the mound, his 3.96 ERA masking some late-season inconsistencies that nearly cost them in the regular finale. New York's offense, powered by Aaron Judge's ongoing tear, will test Houck early and often.
Where to catch the action? Game 3 airs live on ESPN at 4:08 p.m. ET, with streaming options on the ESPN app, MLB.tv, and Fubo for cord-cutters. Indeed, if you're in the Northeast, local blackouts apply via YES Network for Yankees fans or NESN for Red Sox supporters—check your zip code to avoid frustration. Moreover, radio coverage hits SiriusXM channel 83 for away and 84 for home, keeping things accessible.
Recent Red Sox games have shown resilience, splitting the first two despite a patchwork rotation plagued by injuries to starters like James Paxton. Boston's pitchers, a mix of Crochet's dominance and relievers like Kenley Jansen holding the line, have kept them in every contest. The Yankees, however, boast depth with Rodón and a lineup that's scored in bunches. However, that Game 1 shutout exposed vulnerabilities in New York's bats against lefties like Crochet.
As the sun sets on this chapter of baseball's fiercest feud, what will define the survivor in this brutal playoff tango?