After a stunning comeback win in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, the New York Yankees suddenly find themselves with momentum and a shot at evening the series against the Toronto Blue Jays. A win today would force a decisive Game 5 and keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Yankees are no strangers to elimination games this October. After falling to the Boston Red Sox in the wild-card opener, they bounced back with two straight wins to advance. Their Game 3 victory over Toronto marked their third consecutive elimination win, as they held a potent Blue Jays offense — which scored 23 runs in the first two games — completely in check.
Blue Jays starter Shane Bieber lasted just 2 2/3 innings in Game 3, forcing manager John Schneider to lean heavily on his bullpen. With another bullpen game expected today by Toronto, the Yankees could have an advantage as they look to even the series.
For New York, rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler will take the mound. The Yankees will be counting on him to provide length after their bullpen combined for 6 2/3 scoreless innings in yesterday's game. No Yankees starter has pitched beyond the third inning so far this series.
Schlittler, however, has already proven he can deliver under pressure. In Game 3 of the wild-card series, he threw eight scoreless innings with 12 strikeouts, setting a franchise record for strikeouts by a rookie in his postseason debut.
If he can replicate that performance, the Yankees’ improbable comeback may suddenly look far more realistic.