Introduction to the Game
The New York Yankees have eliminated the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series, thanks to a stellar performance by rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler.
Oct 2, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler (31) reacts after striking out a Boston Red Sox batter in the fifth inning during game three of the Wildcard round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The Game-Changing Performance
BRONX, NY — Cam Schlittler has officially arrived, and the New York Yankees are headed to the American League Divisional Series. Combined with a decisive four-run fourth inning from the offense, the 24-year-old rookie right-hander shut down the Boston Red Sox in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series on Thursday night at Yankee Stadium, posting eight shutout innings while allowing just five hits with 12 strikeouts in New York’s 4-0 victory over their hated rivals.
Breaking the Snide
It was not just the first time in Schlittler’s MLB career (14 regular-season starts) that he completed eight innings, but the first time he went that far into a start since joining the Yankees’ organization in 2023. With his gem comes the breaking of a significant snide for the Yankees. They had lost each of their previous three postseason meetings to the Red Sox — their last win coming in the 2003 ALCS when now-manager Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run in Game 7.
Looking Ahead
There’s no time to rest. The Yankees are on their way to Toronto to meet the No. 1 seed Blue Jays, who won the AL East over New York via a tiebreaker, on Saturday for Game 1 of the ALDS. Thursday night, though, will belong to Schlittler. The fireballing rookie was the clear victor in the battle of the rookies against Boston’s Connelly Early in what was only the second winner-take-all postseason game to feature two rookie starters.
Schlittler’s Dominance
A Walpole, MA native who grew up in a Red Sox family, Schlittler tormented his old boyhood club with untouchable stuff. He recorded six pitches of 100-plus mph in the first inning alone, gave up only two Masataka Yoshida singles across the first four innings, and continuously painted heat as though he was serving it in slow motion. It made the Yankees’ monster fourth inning, which knocked Early out early, feel like the series had been clinched, which it was.
The Yankees’ Monster Fourth Inning
It appeared as though it would start innocuously enough. Cody Bellinger hit a lazy fly ball into shallow right-center. But the diving center fielder, Ceddanne Rafaela, muffed the attempt — much like left fielder Jarren Duran flubbed Aaron Judge’s fly ball in Game 2 that gave the Yankees a 3-2 lead in the fifth — allowing Bellinger to advance to second. After Giancarlo Stanton’s walk and with one out, trade-deadline acquisition Amed Rosario punched a single through to left to score Bellinger and break the ice in Game 3. Jazz Chisholm followed with a single hit too hard to score the slow-footed Stanton, which loaded the bases. Volpe singled to double the Yankees’ lead before Austin Wells’ 100-mph grounder clanged off the glove of first baseman Nathaniel Lowe — the second major Boston miscue of the inning — to bring in two more and give the hosts a two-run cushion.
Conclusion
The Yankees’ victory marks a significant milestone in their postseason journey, and they will look to carry this momentum into their next series against the Blue Jays. Cam Schlittler’s outstanding performance has cemented his place in the Yankees’ rotation, and he will be a key player to watch in the upcoming games.
FAQs
Q: Who won the Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series?
A: The New York Yankees won the Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox.
Q: Who was the star player for the Yankees in Game 3?
A: Cam Schlittler was the star player for the Yankees in Game 3, pitching eight shutout innings and striking out 12 batters.
Q: What is the next series for the Yankees?
A: The Yankees will face the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Divisional Series.
Q: Who did the Yankees face in their previous postseason meetings?
A: The Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox in their previous postseason meetings, losing each of their last three series.
Q: Who hit a walk-off home run in the 2003 ALCS?
A: Aaron Boone hit a walk-off home run in the 2003 ALCS.
