In a rivalry that's always crackling with tension, the New York Yankees delivered a decisive blow to the Boston Red Sox on Thursday night, winning 4-0 in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. This victory, coming after a back-and-forth series, sends the Yankees marching into the American League Division Series while leaving Boston's playoff dreams in ruins. Indeed, the shutout was a masterclass in pitching dominance, especially from rookie sensation Cam Schlittler, who silenced the Red Sox bats throughout his outing.
The game unfolded at Yankee Stadium under crisp October lights, with Schlittler taking the mound for New York and immediately setting the tone. He struck out eight Boston hitters, allowing just four hits in what turned out to be a complete game effort—his first in the majors, no less. Schlittler's fastball touched 98 mph, and his slider baffled key Red Sox players like Wilyer Abreu, who went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts. For the Yankees, Aaron Judge added a two-run homer in the fifth, his postseason power on full display, while Gerrit Cole, though not pitching this game, loomed large in the team's recent momentum after strong regular-season showings.
Boston, meanwhile, struggled to generate offense. Their starter, a weary Garrett Crochet, gave up three runs in the first two innings before settling, but it wasn't enough. Nathaniel Lowe, acquired midseason, managed a single but couldn't spark a rally. David Bednar came in for relief but walked the bases loaded in the eighth, only for Schlittler to escape unscathed. The Red Sox, who had stolen Game 1 with a 3-1 win on September 30 thanks to timely hitting, and pushed New York to the brink in a 4-3 loss in Game 2 on October 1, now face an early offseason. Their pitchers, including Crochet's 2.45 ERA in the series, couldn't overcome the Yankees' relentless pressure.
Moreover, this win marks the Yankees' third straight series victory over rivals in recent playoffs, evoking memories of their storied clashes. However, with the ALDS against a tough opponent looming—possibly the Tigers or Cubs—the pressure mounts on Aaron Boone's squad. As the dust settles on this classic matchup, one can't help but ponder if New York's blend of youth and experience will finally end their World Series drought.