But Carlos Rodón was already thinking ahead to Thursday’s Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series, focused on what it would mean for Cam Schlittler’s young career.
“It’s going to be really good for him,” Rodón said. “He needs to experience this. I am looking forward to seeing him dominate tomorrow.”
Rodón certainly enjoyed the show, as did the rest of his Yankees teammates. Schlittler, a 24-year-old flamethrower from Walpole, Mass., didn’t make his Major League debut until July 9, but he appeared built for the October stage.
Outpitching Connelly Early in a Gen Z matchup of rivalry rookies, Schlittler routinely cracked triple digits with his fastball while using his secondary pitches effectively, keeping the Red Sox quiet in a 12-strikeout performance as the Yankees won, 4-0, to advance to the ALDS against the Blue Jays.
Scattering five hits without a walk over eight scoreless innings, Schlittler became the first rookie to strike out as many as eight batters in a win-or-go-home postseason game, according to Elias. He is also the first pitcher in postseason history to throw eight or more scoreless innings with 12 or more strikeouts and no walks in a start.
Schlittler set a new franchise record for strikeouts by a Yankees starter in his postseason debut, outdoing 10-K performances by Red Ruffing (1932 World Series Game 1 vs. Cubs) and Dave Righetti (1981 ALDS Game 2 at Brewers).
