Massachusetts Natives Lead Yankees to Dominant Win Over Red Sox in Wild Card Opener
Pitcher Cam Schlittler and home run hitter Ben Rice, both from the Boston area, shut out and powered the New York Yankees to a 9-0 victory.
The New York Yankees opened their American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox with a commanding 9-0 victory, largely due to the efforts of two Massachusetts natives. Pitcher Cam Schlittler delivered a masterful performance on the mound, while batter Ben Rice provided the offensive firepower, with both players having grown up idolizing the Red Sox.
Schlittler, who hails from Walpole, approximately 18 miles from Boston, threw 6.1 scoreless innings, striking out 10 batters and allowing only two hits. This marked a repeat of his scoreless outing against his boyhood team in last year's Wild Card Series. He has maintained a remarkable 0.47 ERA across six starts against the Red Sox in his career.
"I mean, you grow up and you're taught to just hate the Yankees," Schlittler told ESPN in June. "You don't really have a reason why. It's just like what you're supposed to do."
Schlittler also noted the Yankees' reputation for player development, particularly for pitchers, and the organization's focus on recruiting from New England, which he felt the Red Sox did not prioritize.
Adding to the Red Sox's woes, Rice, from Cohasset, just 20 miles from Boston, blasted two home runs. His most significant hit was an eighth-inning grand slam that drove in six runs on the night. The Yankees' social media accounts highlighted photos of Rice in his youth wearing Yankees gear.
"It's so cool. This is what you dream about. Yankees-Red Sox. Playoff game. In New York. There's nothing better. It's so much fun," Rice said after the game. He added, "So cool to be a part of the rivalry now. Just given where I'm from and where I grew up, just makes it all that much more special."
Reflecting on their shared local connection and opposition to their hometown team, Schlittler stated, "I mean, we love it. Mid-round guys. Ben has excelled very well in this organization. It's great to be teammates with him, having that comfortability, being from home. And he's been dominant all season."