The rivalry continues as two ancient enemies clash for power and for a chance to be champions of the world. For more than 100 years, the rivalry between the Yankees and the Red Sox has been the most significant divide in sports history. Although the heat has dissipated in recent years, it returned with unmatched vigor this past week as the Yankees and Red Sox battled for the American League Wild Card. The best-of-three series would dictate who would advance to the October playoffs and who would begin their somber march home for the end of their season.
The Yankees have returned to the postseason this year after a generational tear in September, claiming 18 wins and only surrendering 7 losses. Their record in September was second only to the late-surging Cleveland Guardians. While they were dominant in September, they had struggled through the year against the Red Sox, with the Red Sox winning nine of the 13 games against the Yankees. It was unclear who would win this decisive series, but it would become evident in game three of the Wild Card that the Yankees had the edge.
The Red Sox had a tumultuous year after losing their #3 and #4 pitchers, Lucas Giolito and Tanner Houck, respectively, to injuries. The losses continued as their promising center fielder, Roman Anthony, had his season derailed in September due to a left oblique strain, placing him on the injured list just before the playoffs. These were significant losses, but the Red Sox had one magic trick left in their pocket for October, potential Cy Young winner, Garrett Crochet. Having been one of the most commanding pitchers in the MLB, the Red Sox were counting on him to perform, and he outclassed everyone.
Game one was a pitcher’s duel between Yankees ace Max Fried and Red Sox ace Garret Crochet. The Yankees struck first with an unlikely hero, Anthony Volpe, whose 382-foot solo home run gave them the lead of 1-0. Max Fried put on a spectacular performance, allowing only four hits and three walks with zero runs while striking out six over 6.1 innings. Garrett Crochet tripled the intensity, holding the line after the home run. His dominant performance stifled the Yankees’ once-feared offense, binding them to only four hits while striking out 11 over 7.2 innings. After 6 scoreless innings, the Red Sox awoke from their slumber and tagged the Yankees with two runs to capture the lead, 2-1. They continued their relentless pursuit in the top of the 9th inning, bringing the score to 3-1. The Yankees tried for a momentous rally in the 9th inning with the bases loaded, but proved inadequate as they capitulated the final three outs to end the game.
It was a sigh of relief for Boston fans; it seemed like they would crush the Yankees once again. Boston had won the first battle, but the Yankees were far from vanquished.
Game two was a battle of stamina. The Yankees struck first again, with rookie Ben Rice launching a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Boston retaliated back in the top of the third to tie the score 2-2, but the Yankees reclaimed it in the fifth after Aaron Judge’s RBI single. After previously tying the game in the third, Trevor Story continued to pull through for the Red Sox again in the top of the sixth with a game-tying home run, bringing the score to 3-3. The tension was palpable; everyone was on the edge of their seat, and then the crack of Austin Wells’s bat rang out. Splitting the game open with an RBI single, he swiped the win straight out of the clutches of Boston and forced a final encore.
With the series tied, game three was the future of both teams’ 2025 season. Yankee rookie Cam Schlittler broke history in his first MLB postseason debut, becoming the first pitcher ever to throw eight scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts and zero walks. The Yankees’ attack began with Cody Bellinger’s soft fly ball, which fell between Red Sox outfielders, and after Giancarlo Stanton earned a walk, Amed Rosario’s single scored Bellinger. Jazz Chisholm Jr. then loaded the bases with a single, and Anthony Volpe’s base hit drove in another run. The Red Sox had been emotionally defeated, and after a costly error by Red Sox first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, who drove in the final two runs, the war was over. The Yankees won; they had done the inconceivable and returned from the dead to secure games two and three, and in doing so, their chance at the World Series.
The Red Sox were forced to walk home in shame, eyes filled with regret and hunger for redemption and blood. During the offseason, expect to see signings and trades that will solidify both teams’ weaknesses. The rivalry between these teams is far from over, and the Titans will face off again next season; if it is set to be in Boston, the Yankees had better come prepared. The Red Sox will be ready.
