Yankees Eliminate Red Sox 4-0; Rookie Schlittler Strikes Out 12

BREAKING: The New York Yankees have eliminated the Boston Red Sox from the AL Wild Card Series with a dominant 4-0 victory on Thursday night, thanks to a spectacular postseason debut from rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, who struck out an impressive 12 batters.

This victory secures the Yankees a spot in the Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays, set to begin on Saturday. New York made history by becoming the first team to lose the opener and advance from the expanded first round since the format started in 2022.

Schlittler, who grew up a Red Sox fan in Walpole, Massachusetts, showcased his extraordinary talent by reaching speeds of 100 mph while allowing only five singles and issuing no walks over eight innings. He threw an astonishing 11 pitches at or above 100 mph, including six in the first inning alone—more than all Yankees pitchers combined since pitch tracking began in 2008.

The Yankees capitalized on two costly errors by Boston, scoring four runs in a decisive fourth inning. The rally ignited when Cody Bellinger‘s fly ball fell in the outfield, allowing him to reach second base. A series of strategic hits followed, including a single by Amed Rosario that drove in Bellinger for the go-ahead run.

“We executed our game plan perfectly,”

Schlittler said in a post-game interview.

“It feels incredible to contribute in such a big moment.”

The Yankees displayed defensive prowess as well, highlighted by Ryan McMahon‘s spectacular catch in the eighth inning, demonstrating the team’s commitment to winning. As the Red Sox struggled, they were reminded of their defensive shortcomings, having committed a league-high 116 errors during the regular season.

Looking ahead, the Yankees will face either Luis Gil (4-1, 3.32 ERA) or Will Warren (9-8, 4.44 ERA) in the Division Series opener against Toronto, who is expected to send either Kevin Gausman (10-11, 3.59 ERA) or Shane Bieber (4-2, 3.57 ERA) to the mound.

With this victory, the Yankees have now edged ahead in postseason games against the Red Sox, leading 14-13 overall. The win marks their second consecutive victory over Boston, snapping an eight-game postseason losing streak against their historic rivals dating back to 2004.

As fans celebrate this significant triumph, the Yankees are poised for what promises to be an electrifying Division Series against the Blue Jays. Stay tuned for more updates as the postseason unfolds!