The New York Yankees managed to survive a tightly contested Game 2 against the Boston Red Sox, who capitalized on every opportunity with their timely hitting over the two games. Now, with no time to celebrate, Aaron Boone’s team faces a do-or-die Game 3 for the second consecutive day.
To meet the challenge, the Yankees have entrusted rookie Cam Schlittler, a 24-year-old making his postseason debut, as the starting pitcher.
A rookie could be the Yankees’ first Postseason hero
Aaron Boone was confident in his choice, stating after the 4-3 Game 2 victory, “He’ll handle it well. I don’t think it will be too big for him, and he will be ready to roll.”
Schlittler, a Massachusetts native, learned he would start through public reports before Boone could inform him directly. “It’s important for them to put faith in me. I’m just making sure I’m taking this as another game, going to do my job,” he said.
The young pitcher debuted in MLB just before the All-Star Game, posting a 2.96 ERA and a 1.219 WHIP over 73 innings in 14 starts, with 84 strikeouts and 31 walks. Boone described Schlittler as “very responsible” and noted that he’s brought positive energy to the team, though he now faces a high-pressure environment unlike any he’s experienced.
Boston will counter with their own rookie, 23-year-old left-hander Connelly Early, who recorded a 2.33 ERA over 19.1 innings in four starts since his MLB debut on September 9.
The loser of this game will see their season end, and a Yankees loss would mark a failure to return to the World Series, a title that has eluded them since 2009 after reaching it last year.
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