The New York Yankees finally exorcised their demons against the Boston Red Sox, blanking them 4-0 in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series on Thursday night at Yankee Stadium. It was a gritty, no-nonsense performance that propelled the Yankees into the American League Division Series, leaving the Red Sox to rue another early exit in this heated rivalry. Indeed, after dropping the opener 3-1 on Tuesday, the Yankees clawed back with a 4-3 thriller in Game 2, setting the stage for this rubber match.
Rookie sensation Cam Schlittler dominated from the mound, fanning 12 Red Sox batters in what might go down as one of the gutsiest outings in playoff lore. The Massachusetts native, son of a Boston-area police chief, pitched like he had something to prove—shutting down Boston's offense with surgical precision. Schlittler's 12 strikeouts weren't just numbers; they silenced a lineup that had teased fireworks in the first two games. Masataka Yoshida, Boston's steady outfielder, went hitless again, emblematic of the Red Sox's broader struggles at the plate.
Offensively, the Yankees didn't dazzle but got the job done early. Aaron Judge crushed a two-run homer in the third, his power reminding everyone why he's the face of this franchise. The bullpen, bolstered by a lights-out Arelis Chapman in relief, held firm—no runs after the fourth inning. Boston's Garrett Crochet, who dazzled in Game 1, couldn't replicate the magic; he lasted just five innings, charged with all four runs. However, the Red Sox's vaunted comeback spirit fizzled out here, perhaps too much pressure in the Bronx spotlight.
Game 3 aired on ESPN, drawing massive viewership for what felt like a throwback to the old rivalry days. Fans tuned in via streaming on MLB.tv or local channels like YES Network for Yankees supporters and NESN for the Boston faithful. The series schedule had been tight—Tuesday through Thursday—mirroring the intensity. Yet, for all the drama, this win felt almost inevitable for New York, their depth and resilience shining through in October.
As the Yankees gear up for their next challenge, the question lingers on how this victory reshapes the narrative of two teams forever intertwined.