Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 8:08 PM EST
Venue: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY
Starting Pitchers: Connelly Early, LHP (BOS) vs. Cam Schlittler, RHP (NYY)
Moneyline Odds: Red Sox +134 | Yankees -164
Winner-Take-All: Rivalry Renewed in Decisive AL Wild Card Game 3
The most storied rivalry in baseball reaches its boiling point as the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees face off in a do-or-die Game 3 of the American League Wild Card Series. With the season on the line, both teams will send young arms to the mound in a high-stakes clash under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium. The winner advances to the ALDS, while the loser’s season comes to an abrupt end.
The stage is set for a primetime showdown, with the game scheduled for an 8:08 PM EST first pitch on ESPN.
The Pitching Matchup: A Trial by Fire
In a game of this magnitude, both managers are handing the ball to promising but relatively unseasoned starters. Boston will send out left-hander Connelly Early, while New York counters with right-hander Cam Schlittler.
For both pitchers, this marks the most significant start of their careers. With a trip to the Division Series hanging in the balance, neither will likely have a long leash. This matchup points to a game that will almost certainly be decided by the bullpens, placing immense pressure on each team’s relief corps to perform in the clutch.
Keys to the Game
For the Red Sox to Win: Boston enters as the underdog (+134), but they have a clear path to victory. Their offense must attack Schlittler early and force the Yankees to turn to a bullpen that has been described as a significant weakness. The Red Sox have battled through major injuries all season, including the season-ending loss of Triston Casas in May and more recent ailments for Lucas Giolito and Wilyer Abreu, showing resilience that will be needed tonight. If Early can navigate the potent Yankee lineup for a few innings and keep the game close, Boston’s hitters will have a prime opportunity to capitalize on New York’s potential late-game pitching vulnerabilities.
For the Yankees to Win: As the home favorite (-164), the Yankees’ formula is to get a lead and hold on. They need Cam Schlittler to rise to the occasion and deliver a quality start, protecting their questionable bullpen from being overexposed. The Bronx faithful will be a major factor, and the Yankee offense must feed off that energy by striking early against the lefty Early. Having weathered their own share of injuries throughout the year to players like Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Volpe, the Yankees’ star power will need to shine brightest on the biggest stage.
Prediction
While the betting odds favor the Yankees at home, this game feels destined to be a battle of attrition. Both teams have overcome adversity to get here, but one glaring factor stands out from recent reports: the state of the Yankees’ bullpen.
In a winner-take-all playoff game, a shaky relief staff is a critical liability. The Red Sox have the offensive capability to make contact, extend at-bats, and pressure New York’s pitchers. Expect Boston to hang around long enough to get into that vulnerable Yankees bullpen. The value is with the underdog in what should be a tense, back-and-forth affair.
Prediction: Red Sox 6, Yankees 4
The Pick: Boston Red Sox (+134)
Sources:
Boston Red Sox Injury Status – ESPN
Red Sox injuries and roster moves
Boston Red Sox Injury Report and Status 2025 – CBSSports.com
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