BREAKING: Cam Schlittler Makes History with Unforgettable Outing, Yankees Eliminate Red Sox
By Josh Davis | October 3, 2025 | ESPN
In a performance that will be remembered for years to come, rookie pitcher Cam Schlittler delivered a pitching masterpiece in the New York Yankees' 4–0 victory over the Boston Red Sox in Game 3 of the American League Wild Card series. Schlittler’s dominant outing not only propelled the Yankees into the AL Division Series but also etched his name into MLB postseason history.
The 24-year-old right-hander from Walpole, Massachusetts, showed poise beyond his years as he delivered eight shutout innings, striking out 12 Red Sox hitters and allowing just five hits, with no walks. Schlittler’s performance was nothing short of historic — he became the first pitcher in MLB postseason history to complete eight innings without issuing a walk and recording at least 12 strikeouts.
Schlittler’s Historic Performance
From the very first pitch, Schlittler looked in control. The Red Sox, known for their potent offense, had no answer for his fastball and breaking pitches. Schlittler’s ability to locate his pitches with pinpoint accuracy kept the Red Sox off balance all night. His 107-pitch gem was a statement game, not just for the Yankees’ future but also for his own rise in the majors.
“I’ve worked my whole life for this moment,” Schlittler said after the game. “This isn’t just about me; it’s about the team and the city. I’m not backing down. We’ve got more work to do, but tonight was just the beginning of what we’re capable of. Let’s go, Yankees!”
Schlittler’s performance was a critical part of the Yankees’ success, and it also bolstered their pitching staff as they advance further into the postseason. His ability to step up on the big stage and deliver in a winner-takes-all game speaks volumes about his potential as a cornerstone for the Yankees’ pitching rotation moving forward.
Yankees' Offense Supports Schlittler’s Dominance
While Schlittler was dazzling on the mound, the Yankees’ offense was equally impactful, providing early support to ensure the game didn’t come down to a single pitch. The Yankees capitalized on a fielding error by the Red Sox in the fourth inning to score all four of their runs.
Cody Bellinger led off with a double, followed by Giancarlo Stanton drawing a walk. Amed Rosario’s single brought in Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm followed up with another hit, setting the stage for more runs. Anthony Volpe then singled to score Stanton. Finally, a fielding error by the Red Sox allowed Chisholm and Rosario to cross the plate, effectively sealing the win for the Yankees.
Schlittler’s Legacy in the Making
Schlittler’s historic outing will go down as one of the most dominant pitching performances in recent postseason memory. But his impact stretches beyond just this game. His composure and ability to execute in a high-pressure situation have solidified his place as one of the future stars of the Yankees’ pitching staff.
For a team like the Yankees, who have long relied on elite pitching and consistent offensive firepower, Schlittler’s performance offers a glimpse of the potential they have as they continue their playoff run. With his calm under pressure and ability to deliver in big moments, Schlittler has proven he can handle the spotlight.
Moving Forward: ALDS Bound
The Yankees will now shift their focus to the American League Division Series, where they will face an even tougher challenge. But with Schlittler’s performance providing a huge boost, they enter the next round with renewed confidence and momentum.
As the 2025 postseason continues, all eyes will remain on Schlittler. The rookie’s unforgettable outing has catapulted him into the spotlight, and if his postseason performance is any indication, the Yankees may have found their new ace for the future.
Cam Schlittler’s breakout performance in Game 3 against the Red Sox has already become a defining moment of the 2025 postseason. With a spot in the ALDS secured, the Yankees are looking to make another deep run, and with Schlittler leading the charge on the mound, anything seems possible.
Commanders' Defensive Line Depleted After Injury to Javontae Jean-Baptiste
When a player goes down, you might not have a backup who fits into the same mold, where you can simply plug him in and play him.
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn was asked about this on Wednesday.
Quinn acknowledged there is adapting that does have to take place.
"Yes, you do want to, not one size fits all into that," said. "So, when you know somebody's featured in a different role or a different spot, it's not just add water and the same result will take place. So, you may have to do things a little bit differently."
For instance, we have already seen the Commanders don't have a running back who is nearly as much of a threat as a receiver as Austin Ekeler was before his season-ending Achilles injury. On the other hand, although Marcus Mariota is not Jayden Daniels, Mariota did display poise in running the offense and stepping up to make all sorts of throws in the pocket during his two weeks of action, substituting for Daniels.
Having lost defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste with a torn pectoral muscle against the Falcons, Quinn was asked about losing him. The significance of losing Jean-Baptiste is that he was not the starter to begin the season. The starter was new Commander and former Patriot Deatrich Wise. But Wise went down in the Week 2 loss to the Packers when he was rolled up under, tearing a quadriceps muscle, ending his 2025 season.
"So, with Javontae in his case, we signed Preston [Smith] a few weeks back. And so as he's progressing, there would be some snaps that would go his way.” Jean Baptiste was drafted by Washington in the 7th round (222) of the 2024 draft, after playing his final college season at Notre Dame. He did not play against the Giants, but did see action against the Packers, and he started against the Raiders and Falcons. In his three games, he was in on six tackles, a QB sack, a QB hit, and one tackle for a loss.
Coming in for Jean-Baptiste will be Preston Smith, a veteran, who will turn 33 in November. Smith was drafted 38th overall by Washington in the 2015 NFL Draft. In his four seasons with the Redskins, he contributed 24.5 QB sacks, 29 tackles for a loss and 59 QB hits. He also intercepted four passes for 51 return yards.
The defensive ends for the Commanders are now Dorance Armstrong, Jalyn Holmes, Jacob Martin, Smith and Von Miller (listed as a linebacker). There is T.J. Maguranyanga on the practice squad; however, he is only 222 pounds and an inexperienced International player. So look for the Commanders to be looking to sign a defensive end to their practice squad.
