Facing elimination after surrendering 23 runs in the first two games of the American League Division Series, the New York Yankees desperately needed a shutdown pitching performance in Game 3. They got it — just not from their starter.
Left-hander Carlos Rodón struggled early, allowing six runs in just 2 1/3 innings, putting the Yankees in another early hole. But after Aaron Judge blasted a game-tying home run, New York’s bullpen took over and dominated the rest of the night.
Five relievers combined for 6 2/3 scoreless innings, silencing a Toronto Blue Jays offense that had been scorching hot through the first two games. The bullpen accounted for nine of the team’s 11 strikeouts, overpowering a Blue Jays pitching staff that managed only six strikeouts total in the game.
The performance marked a complete turnaround from the first two contests, when Yankees relievers gave up eight runs.
Offensively, Judge once again led the way. The Yankees’ captain has been on a tear this postseason, going 9-for-13 in the series with a home run and five RBIs. He’s also the only Yankee with multiple multi-hit games, tallying three so far against Toronto.
With their season saved — for now — the Yankees will look to even the series in Game 4. Cam Schlittler will take the mound for New York after delivering one of the best outings in franchise postseason history in his previous start. Facing elimination once more, they'll need another impressive outing. Thus far through the first three games of the series, the Yankees have yet to see one of their starters make it past the third inning.