There’s a part of that pines for the tension of those late 90s/early aughts battles between the Yankees and the Red Sox, when each game carried the weight of decades, as if DiMaggio and Williams, Munson and Fisk, and all the rest were watching. A series in May seemed terribly important, and those few series in October were life or death.
It was that nostalgia (and, believe it or not, a George Costanza bobblehead) that justified a trip to New York this summer with my son to see two games in New York. I’d seen the Yankees play in the Stadium before, both the old one and the new, but I’d never seen a Yankees-Red Sox game in person, and so we went.
We chose the first two games of the four-game series in the third week of August. You’ll remember that series — the Boston wins in the opening three games were so decisive that the Yankee win on Sunday didn’t even matter. The Yankees were great against the bottom half of the league, the narrative went, but they couldn’t beat the good teams. They couldn’t beat Boston.
When they lost to the Red Sox on Tuesday night in the first game of the American League Wildcard Series, the narrative seemed to be correct. But as I pondered the possibility of another loss on Wednesday night, it occurred to me that what would really sting would be having the season come to an end; losing to the Red Sox wouldn’t add any extra pain. I just didn’t want this team to go out like that. Thanks to Cam Schlittler, they didn’t.
The Yankees scored their four runs in the fourth inning, courtesy of a couple questionable plays by the Red Sox and a couple seeing-eye ground balls, but it was nothing to apologize for. Even so, I won’t waste any space here discussing it.
The only story that matters coming out of Thursday night’s 4-0 win is Cam Schlittler. I had a good feeling about him heading into the game, and I even predicted to a friend that he would strike out eight; turns out I sold him short. With a variety of fastballs and sinkers ranging from 95mph to 101, Schlittler was absolutely dominant all night long, finishing with eight innings pitched, twelve strikeouts, and zero walks, and only five hits. It was the first time in postseason history that a pitcher threw eight or more shutout innings with 12 or more strikeouts and no walks. Think about that for a minute. He did something that Sandy Koufax and Bob Gibson weren’t able to do.
But the box score doesn’t tell complete story because box scores never do. Schlittler didn’t just dominate the Boston hitters, he dominated in the most cold-blooded way, never showing a hint of emotion. He was a Bizarro World Fernando Cruz, just putting his head down and walking to the dugout as the Stadium exploded after yet another strike out. It was one of the greatest pitching performances I’ve ever seen, and it was a rookie making his first postseason start in an elimination game against the Boston Red Sox.
More than just advancing the Yankees to the American League Divisional Series, young Mr. Schlittler gave us permission to dream. First, there’s the Big Dream — a rotation of Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Cam Schlittler, and (fill-in-the-blank) for the next six years. Just imagine.
But what about the Immediate Dream? Having Fried and Rodon at the top of the rotation gives the Yankees a shot in any postseason series, but Schlittler’s start changes the entire calculus. We can’t expect him to reproduce what he did last night on a regular basis, but just knowing that he has that in him changes everything. None of the remaining eight teams can match the three starters the Yankees are rolling out right now, so right now everything is possible. Everything.
So in the aftermath of Thursday night’s clinching win, I thought back to that August night my son and I spent with the Bleacher Creatures. There was an undeniable passion for the Yankees, but there was also an underlying anxiety that bubbled up from time to time whenever someone in a Red Sox jersey stood up to cheer. Or even to go get a beer. Fists never met flesh, but there were at least two or three shouting matches, and by the seventh inning or so several of NYPD’s finest were dispersed among the crowd to keep the peace. After the final out, as a disappointed crowd slowly made its way through the concourse and out into the Bronx night, the handful of Red Sox fans we saw were gleefully eager to engage, taunting anyone within earshot about the game and a season that seemed to be spiraling down the drain.
I wondered about those Boston fans on Thursday night. I wondered if that glorious night in August was enough for them.
See you in a few hours, gents.
Beau Bichette left off the series roster.
Let’s do it!
Let's Go Yankees!
The good news? The game’s in 4k. The bad news? Fox
Oh FFS, blue
That foul off Grisham’s foot was so weird. The umpires didn’t even talk? I wonder if they could’ve challenged. I wouldn’t want to risk a challenge on the first pitch of the game, but it seemed kind of obvious.
It's hard to make Rice look terrible on 3 swings in the same at bat.
This is the closest to my house the Yankees have ever played a post-season game! Sure it's across Lake Ontario but it's nice to ponder. : )
Vlad will do that
darn. not good.
I’m sure people out there don’t like Jazz’s celebrations or his home run trot, but what the hell is Vlad doing? Was he skipping around second base? God, I hate this team. Far more than I hate the Red Sox right now.
I liked the Vlad Sr. better. I went to get a beer after jr. hit it. I missed his trip around the bases on purpose.
Surprised he didn’t do a cartwheel after making that double play.
Not happy with how things are going thus far.
fuck the ump, fuck vlad, and fuck the fat fuck kirk
oh, and fuck their stoopid fucking homer jacket. i never wanna see it again this series.
It's nice of Gil to throw some BP to get the jays back in the groove.
Gil doesn't look sharp.
The home run jacket is the worst.
[20] i never wanna see that ridiculous thing again this series.
very cool about the pinstripe pride pic with your son!
gil has some velocity, but barely any swing and miss.
the open roof gives 3% more of a chance for a homer (per axisa @ RAB)
yeesh only 29 pitches so far for Gausman. That bad.
31 pitches to get 9 outs. Goodamnn FUCKING BOLLOCKS!
Take some pitches, guys.
terrible
only 30 pitches first time thru the lineup.
[9] [13] nice, just fair! whatchya drinkin' this afternoon? i need to wait until after the game is over...
i just hit mute... i'd listen to dave + suzyn, but the mlb app is two pitches ahead...
from Gil to Hill...
once again: FUCK VLAD!!!
[28] Neon Rainbows. A great IPA from Ommegang near Cooperstown. Blue Light later. lol...
Interesting. Seemed like Gil had finally figured something out and was ready to pitch a few more innings. We’ll see how this plays out.
I don't know the brewer but I'm drinking a Pumpkin IPA. It's good.
for fucks sake
[32] [34] cheers!
phew, whew, and wahoo
Let me say this — I’m so glad to have McMahon playing third. I don’t care if he never gets another hit. It’s just so good to know he’ll make every single play.
Gausman might pitch fourteen innings today.
[38] He's the only one who has worked the count so far.
he's just cruising... : (
[39] It'll be over before the Dodgers - Phillies game at 6:30.
fucking hell.
Ben does not look good.
This strategy is not working. Stop swinging at the first pitch please.
fucking hell
Not our day I think. The game is close but unless we can get to Gausman we're toast.
Keep it at 2-0 and anything's possible.
still lotsa baseball to play today.
Good inning from Doval
It only takes one mistake to change this game.
sorry I got pessimistic for a sec haha. It's just 2-0. Let's GO!
On August 10, 1944, Red Barrett of the Boston Braves throws only 58 pitches in shutting out the Cincinnati Reds, 2-0. Barrett’s pitch count sets an unofficial major league record for the fewest pitches thrown in a nine-inning game. Barrett didn’t strike out or walk a single batter, gave up just two singles, faced 29 batters and averaged exactly two pitches per plate appearance
Volpe!
Hmmm, something.
Susan was complaining that the left field there should have caught bullies ball. Wth?
[56] yeah, i thought the same thing
Ugh
Ball 4.
fucking terrible, judge.
Need to not chase ball 4. Alas
That’s a run
Credit to the ump. No automatic strike 1 there.
nice.
Classic Yankees this year. Bases loaded and the only reason they fucking score is because of the other team.
oh ok I'm cool with them taking Gausman out
Good to see Gausman out, right after Smoltz told us this was the best first postseason start he’s ever seen.
Wouldn’t mind seeing Stanton lose one into the night.
Oh, well.
Less than optimal
goddamnit. judge and rice really fucked up. at least gausman is gone...
Ya can't predict baseball.....unless the Yankees have the bases loaded.
ok 2-1 is close. We can do this please!
Bases loaded, no outs, Judge, Bellinger, and Stanton due up. The run expectancy has to be a lot higher than one.
[71] Rice looked really bad against Gausman all day.
Forgot about Rice.
Rice is happier than anyone that he is gone.
Judge spits on that ball 4 most of the season. Grrrrr...
Sims
nice work, camilo
[78] I was going to say Sims told the crowd to "get over it" after the crowd boos the the 1st pitch to Kirk. lol.
[80] yes, i liked that! i'm still listening to him, with the game on mute.
knocked out another jays pitcher. let's knock around seranthony.
Not sure I like taking out MacMahon at this point.
Someone use to love the "pinch stand there."
Ryan’s defense is out of the game.
And our at-bats suck balls.
[83] It's a silly move.
Throw strikes!
Cruz is warming up. Weave can’t find the strike zone
Stoopid 3 batter minimum
Or walk him. Whatever.
Weaver was so good last year, but I don’t look forward to his outings anymore.
Dammit.
Er . . .
The hammy IL stint caused weaver to lose everything
A hit. With a guy on 3rd! What a fucking concept.
Once again: Game 1 - 3 batters, 0 outs.
Gimenez is a shitty hitter. Luke has lost it…
Too many walks!
Desperately need a DP
game over
Fuck
I’m out. Gonna go be productive in my studio, and go on a walk. See ya mañana!
Weaver sucking is concerning. But Doval looked ok.
Well that sucked
yep crappy game. Gotta win tomorrow!
Here we go!
Let's Go Yankees!!!
I wonder if this guy has a high release point
How about scoring more than one run
Smoltz is so insufferable.
[108] I heard something about that.
That is why Jazz was right next to second base!
Is it just me, or does anyone else hold their breath every single time Jazz throws to first?
[112] but but smoltz said there was a big hole.
Oh great, an URP
Positively pathetic.
Really hope they keep showing Yesavage's parents after every out. It warms my heart.
alas
It's not what you want.
Alack
Yeesh
Stupid Jacket!!
The homer traditions with the jackets and such are pretty bad. Though Boston's is honestly the worst.
[123] The only one I don't mind is the Mariners' trident. But I'm so glad the Yankees haven't followed that trend.
season over.
I know I'll get pushback here, but I think the reason everyone hates the national broadcasters -- Smoltz, Ravech, Buck -- isn't because they're objectively bad but because they're so reactionary. A two-run lead is proof that one team is heading for a championship; a couple strikeouts is the first line on a Hall of Fame résumé. So if your team gives up a big home run and Joe Buck is throwing a ticker tape parade... well, it's understandable.
Watch the hittable pitches go by and swing at the splitter in the dirt. That's certainly a strategy.
This kid looks really good. Didn't see this coming.
the yankees certainly did NOT show up to play baseball today... : /
Meanwhile, Fried isn't fooling anyone. Even the outs are loud.
yep Fried looks bad
season = over :_(
Win or lose, Fried has to pitch at least six innings. That's where we are. Hoping for innings.
Anyone in the pen who can give length?
[134] Warren
Well, the book on Fried in the postseason was feast or famine. We had a great outing against Boston, and now five runs against Toronto. Send in the clowns.
Well, at least the Yankees beat Boston
they put the ball in play
[135] Thanks, not that it matters as they’re facing Cy Young
Yeah, it's time to get Warren up, just so no one that matters has to pitch in this game.
[133]. No, I would bring in Warren. Fried needs to pitch well on Friday, if they get that far.
[141] Much better plan.
It's like they know what's coming.
Put in Warren for the rest of the game and hope that the Jays get injured running the bases.
This must be what the Red Sox fans felt like watching Schlittler. This guy is owning the Yankees lineup.
Honestly we haven't hit much of anyone this whole postseason. We had one good inning against Early.
A hurricane now would be nice...
These Blue Jays are a very hateable team.
[145] I was thinking the same, but the one difference is their starting pitcher wasn't getting pounded. This game feels really different from that one.
[148] agreed.
I f****** hate the Blue Jays.
It's weird -- there's really no one on the Red Sox that I hate right now, but like five guys that I hate on the Blue Jays.
Nobody on the site likes hockey as much as I do and I am a huge Sabres fan. The Toronto Maple Leafs fans are notorious jagoffs when they come to Buffalo. I've been to a handful of games up at the Skydome and the Blue Jays fans are always douchebags.
[153] I'm an Islanders fan so we have a special relationship with the Maple Leafs. lol
This is rough and getting rougher.
Feels like we're about to watch five ugly innings from Warren.
The key to good postseason pitching is to walk as many people as possible.
The thing with Warren is that he's either awesome or crap. Hoping for good Warren.
Grand slam or double play coming up.
Welp.
oh well.
When does Spring Training start?
Walk and a homer? Who would have predicted that?
Sadly I wonder who's going to need Tommy John surgery next after Cole.
I swear the Blue Jays know what's coming.
Warren needs to get some outs first.
warren should have started the inning. that's on boone.
season is finished.
[164] i hope it's not cam...
Yeah, this has nothing to do with Boone. 21-1 over thirteen innings is not about Aaron Boone.
wow.
[169] well *some* of that was leaving Blackburn out to dry. But yeah not really Boone's fault our pitchers suck.
The silver lining is that I won’t have to stay up late watching the post season games
[169] oh, i know that. all of it sucks. the players, the manager, everyone. brutal ending of the season...
[172] I was thinking the same. My October calendar is beginning to open up.
Honestly, I still think they can win Games 3 and 4 in New York because I'm an eternal optimist, but I'm having trouble imagining Fried coming back and winning a game in Toronto. I've also never seen anyone on the Yankees get a hit off of Yesavage, so it seems like he'd have an edge in Game 5.
Most runs the Yankees have given up in a two-game postseason span? When has ANY team done that? I can't imagine it's ever happened.
When is Cole due back? All Star break?
dirty dozen
Hey, Yankees!
https://youtu.be/xSQxtMWJzGQ?si=W1HX6TkhT0qdBhaB
So glad we're getting an interview with the parents. Again, so heartwarming.
Yeah, ASB.
Didn’t Fried throw a career high in innings? So TJS for him.
On our way back!
A hit, a run!
But seriously, that's the first good swing we've seen from Bellinger in a while. Could be a good thing.
It's not a bad thing that guys are getting some good swings here. Staying optimistic!
Hits are good. The team has to get into the groove offensively. This game may be lost but getting the offense going is important.
[186] And a hit here from Judge -- or more than just a hit -- would be good for that reason.
Judge gets a hit. With RISP
[188] Not a small thing, even it was a small hit.
At least they'll have something marginally positive to talk about afterwards. And now it's 13-5.
Rice joins the party
I mean...
I feel so much better than I did twenty minutes ago.
it'd be hilarious if we won
And just like that, Weaver’s fixed!
At least they fought back
Ugh, glad I missed these games live with the too early start here.
Hank, I counted 72,000 shots of Yesavage’s parents in the first three innings. Maybe they can join the booth next game.
(Thanks for the great posts, it’s not the playoffs without the Banter!)
Let's Go Yankees! Please
sit down cheater!
blah.
horrible
IBB for the rest of the series?
Atta boy, Rodon. Walk the #2 better and give up another homer.
Seems like every walk hurts, but they are also killing the ball.
alright! Judge solid single.
Way to work the pitcher, guys! At least Judge hit it hard.
Thanks IKF. Once a yankee...
yes! Stanton well done!
We will take it.
I would have liked more but ok.
Rodon has to lock this down.
We can't keep chasing runs. Our pitching has to find it again.
Not egregious but not the best decision by Rice to slide into the bag.
Boone is going to lose this challenge so a more egregious call screws them late in the game. And so it goes.
bad challenge. You can't tell. Not sure that hit him , the bat or what.
ok no harm no foul
I didn't like that challenge. Hope it doesn't come back to bite them.
One thing I know is the Ump did NOT see him get hit hahaha. He heard a click which could have been off the bat.
Bieber is hittable.
which probably means we won't hit him.
Maybe Volpe needs to choke up with two strikes.
What do I know.
Good move
tight zone
I can't wait for this series to be over.
can't win if you can't pitch
This is a beatdown
and these pitches look extremely hittable
finally.
I hate getting swept but a nice silver lining would be firing Cashman and Boone.
[229] but I doubt they fire them
[230] How can they not? This is embarrassing.
what in the world?
Judge!!
Judge! Is he hitting .500 now?
Belly!
Running into outs. The hits never go out of style.
Rice should have gotten to 2nd?
More outs on the basepaths. Will be an apropos end to this particular season.
Jazz still over swinging?
Actually wasn't terrible since it could have been a double play.
good eye jazz.
This ump is not a fan of high strikes.
[242] he hasn't called them for either team.
So far in this series Volpe has thrown the bat farther than he has hit it
hahaha. nice
nice ab!
Is that their closer?
ALL RISE!
That was awesome!
At least he didn't hit it too high!
What a moment!
Well damn!
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a ball hit a foul pole that high up.
Shades of Justice in 2000 ALCS.
Wow. I like it.
My wife cut her finger with a mouse trap just before Judges homer. She made the key sacrifice.
Judge hitting .524 with a 1.345 OPS this postseason.
I’m honestly happier for Judge than I am for the team. He needed that moment.
can we not get a shut down inning?
With our bullpen going so early I don't see us skipping Weaver.
Seems like the winner of this game will be in double digits.
Jazz!!!!!!
jazzy jazz!
First lead of series.
Nice. I was hoping Jazz would have a Didi-esque moment earlier with two men on. This’ll do.
Love the bat flip!
And this is off the actual Toronto relievers, not like those runs in Game 2.
I was thinking the same. I yelled out, “Flip that bat!! “
Rosario!
I just jumped up on my neighbor's sidewalk listening to Jazz's homer while walking the dog. LFG!
Can't challenge.
Alright! another big hit!
No challenges left?
I think he was out
and yep no challenge left
alright good inning!
Vlad is like Bregman last series. I hope he comes up with the bases empty.
I hope Vlad doesn’t see another pitch tonight. A couple runs this inning would make his next at bat less important.
Surprised Goldy isn't pitch hitting.
nice job Rice!
Even just one run is good there.
But Ben got it done!
[279] yep padding the lead. One run at a time is fine.
I want Double Digits, damnit!!
Which isn't to say that I don't want more.
[282] That would be grand!
Also they just IBBd Judge with no-one on base. I think that is legendary.
Double digits are coming. Schneider is essentially cashing in his chips.
I guess you can’t just walk Vlady now. Worst case scenario is bases empty, 9-7. Gotta pitch to him.
[287] yeah. Unless you are Weaver. I don't want to see Weaver pitch to Vlady under any circumstances.
Huh, if we were gonna bring in Goldy anyhow, seems like we should have pinch hit for Rice
High Lev Dev + Bednar = 9 outs … somehow?!
phew
Whew
[290] I'm worried it's Weaver for the 8th
Wouldn’t it be nice if Vlady doesn’t come to bat again tonight?
I bet Bednar gets two innings tonight.
[293] Bite your tongue.
There’s no way Weaver gets in this game.
[296] sorry. Shush Jayne.
That bat flip from Jazz was ice cold.
Wtf? How long between innings? These past 8 o'clock start games suck ass.
Disappointing. Want double digits!
ok I approve Williams to start the 8th.
Throw strikes! 2.0
damn it.
High Lev Dev for 4 or 5
Put ‘Em To Bed(nar) for 4 or 5.
Let’s get a quick DP here, thank you, please!!
Pitch #26 coming from Williams…
Phew.
Nice!
NOW, let’s get the quick DP…
Yinzer coming in
[309] yinz understand
nice! and not many pitches
Time to pond an arn city.
I can’t take these insipid announcers any longer. I turned on Sims & Suzyn.
5 pitches for for Yinznar!
phew he seems ok.
Rats!
I can't imagine if we lost our third basement and had to play the back up catcher at third.
I think we’d have seen Goldschmidt at third and Escarra at first. But thankfully we don’t have to worry about that.
Here comes Springer's 1st hit.
Third Basement!
Score Truck!
That strikeout is so huge.
One away.
Siddown, Cheater Fuck!
My friend is playing organ @ The Stadium tonight!
YES!
[322] awesome!
Two away!
Siddown , complainer. Clearly a strike!
Get this fucker out
Strike this asshole out
That’s 20 pitches for Bednar
Yes!
YES!!!! WAHOO!!!
New York, New York!
HELL YEAH!!!!!!!!
Nice play, Cabby!
Sinatra, Baby!
That’s one.
Play tomorrow, win tomorrow, to butcher a phrase by the great Mariano (Duncan).
What a WIN!!! Let’s do it again tomorrow.
Nice to hear the Captain talking about the ghosts.
[337] yeah I liked that
Great win. Best one I've seen in a long time.
Let's Go Schlittler tonight!