In a twist that felt like a cruel irony for Boston fans, 24-year-old Cam Schlittler, the pride of Walpole, Massachusetts, delivered a masterful performance to bury his childhood team's postseason dreams. The rookie right-hander for the New York Yankees struck out 12 Red Sox batters over eight scoreless innings in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series, a 4-0 shutout that propelled the Yankees into the ALDS and left Fenway's faithful stunned silent.
Schlittler, son of Needham Police Chief John Schlittler, grew up idolizing the Red Sox just like so many in his suburban Boston neighborhood. But on this crisp October night, loyalty took a backseat to duty. He walked not a single batter, mixing a lively fastball with pinpoint control that evoked memories of postseason greats, though perhaps not quite Babe Ruth's legendary exploits. His stat line: 12 Ks, zero runs, zero walks— a postseason rarity that etched his name into Yankees lore overnight. Indeed, it was the first time a pitcher had gone eight scoreless with double-digit strikeouts and no free passes in playoff history.
Across the diamond, Boston's Connelly Early, the 23-year-old lefty and No. 6 prospect straight out of Vanderbilt, couldn't match the magic. The Walpole High alum—wait, no, Early's from Tennessee roots, but his college days at Vandy prepared him for big stages. Yet he lasted just five innings, surrendering three runs on six hits as the Yankees pounced early. Roman Anthony, the Red Sox's young outfield phenom, went hitless in four at-bats, while Masataka Yoshida stranded runners repeatedly, his .289 average from the regular season offering little solace now.
The Yankees' lineup, bolstered by timely hits from the likes of Aaron Judge and a steady bullpen, capitalized without mercy. Boston's hopes, flickering after wins in Games 1 and 2, extinguished under Schlittler's glare. Fans booed as he fanned the side in the eighth, a raw reaction to betrayal from one of their own. However, Schlittler later admitted the taunts stung, crossing into personal territory for the Massachusetts native.
Moreover, this loss caps a Red Sox season of flashes—94 wins, a wild-card berth—but ultimate shortfall against a heated rival. As New York celebrates, Boston rebuilds, wondering what might have been if Early had found his command or if Yoshida's bat had ignited.