MLB2 hours ago2 minute read

Yankees Crush Red Sox 9-0 as Rice and Schlittler Dominate Game 1

Ben Rice drove in six runs and Cam Schlittler dominated on the mound as the New York Yankees shut out the Boston Red Sox 9-0.

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New York Dominates Game 1

The New York Yankees opened their Wild Card Series rematch with a statement. Despite missing star slugger Aaron Judge to a calf injury, New York rolled to a 9-0 victory over the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday night.

Ben Rice led the charge against his hometown team. The Massachusetts native hit two home runs, including a late grand slam, and finished with six RBIs and four hits.

Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe praised his teammate after the game. "It was pretty incredible, if I'm being honest," Volpe said of Rice. "But I don't think anyone is surprised. That's just what he does."

Schlittler Shines on the Mound

On the mound, Cam Schlittler was nearly untouchable. The AL Cy Young frontrunner struck out 10 batters and walked only one in 6 1/3 innings of work. He allowed just two hits on 117 pitches.

That pitch count was a career high for Schlittler. It was also the most pitches thrown by a Yankees postseason starter since CC Sabathia threw 121 pitches against Baltimore in 2012.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone called the outing "awesome" but noted the high pitch count. Boone said the Red Sox "made him work" and "took some tough at-bats against him," but added that the pitcher "was terrific."

Boston starter Payton Tolle kept pace early, allowing one run on five hits in 4 2/3 innings. However, Tolle was unhappy with his night. "Wasn't good enough," Tolle said, adding that he "threw a lot of balls" and could not command the zone.

Supporting Cast and New England Roots

The Yankees got plenty of help from the rest of the lineup. Rookie George Lombard Jr, aged 21, collected three hits in his postseason debut. Austin Wells, batting ninth, drove in two runs.

Both Rice and Schlittler grew up in Massachusetts as Red Sox fans and played college baseball in New England. They were both drafted by the Yankees out of Boston's backyard.

What it means for the next game

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (MLB, Thu, 01 Oct): New York Yankees win 52%, Boston Red Sox win 48%; projected score New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 3. Our safest pick: Red Sox +3.5.

Boston Red Sox at New York Yankees (MLB, Fri, 02 Oct): New York Yankees win 53%, Boston Red Sox win 47%; projected score New York Yankees 4, Boston Red Sox 4. Our safest pick: Over 5.5 runs.