Cam Schlittler, Ben Rice Power Yankees to Game 1 Win Over Red Sox

The New York Yankees had a strong start to their 2026 playoff run, defeating the rival Boston Red Sox 9-0.

Boston started Payton Tolle, and he had a solid outing, going 4.2 innings, allowing five hits and one earned run, while striking out four.

New York scored in the bottom of the 2nd when Austin Wells hit a single to right, scoring George Lombard Jr.

Tolle settled in and didn't allow another run, but when the Red Sox called upon Erik Miller out of the bullpen, it ended with a Ben Rice 423-foot home run to center, giving the Yankees a 2-0 lead.

Cam Schlittler got the start in Game 1 for the Yankees, and he mowed down the Red Sox lineup over 6.1 innings, allowing two hits and striking out 10.

His stellar start gave New York everything they needed to win the game. The Yankees added to their lead in the bottom of the 7th, as Alec Gamboa struggled for Boston. Spencer Jones singled, followed by a Wells single and a Paul Goldschmidt walk.

That loaded the bases for Rice, who hit a single to right, scoring Jones. Red Sox manager Chad Tracy went to the mound and pulled Gamboa, bringing in Wyatt Olds. 

Yankees manager Aaron Boone countered by bringing in Luis García Jr. as a pinch hitter for Heliot Ramos. García grounded into a double play, but it scored Wells to give New York a 4-0 lead.

One pitch later, Cody Bellinger flew out to center, ending the inning and leaving Boston within striking distance.

The Yankees bullpen performed well after Schlittler's excellent start, with Paul Blackburn pitching 1.2 innings and allowing just one hit. 

New York blew the game open in the bottom of the 8th. Wells hit a sacrifice fly, which scored Lombard. Goldschmidt then walked, loading the bases for Rice, who blasted a grand slam and his second home run of the night, 408 feet to center.

John Schreiber took over in the top of the 9th for the Yankees and pitched a 1-2-3 inning to close out the game.

New York had their two stars show up when it mattered most, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series. Schlittler had an incredible regular season and could win the AL Cy Young Award, posting a 1.95 ERA with 239 strikeouts, 49 walks, and a 0.919 WHIP.

Rice also had an elite season, slashing .264/.363/.534 with 41 home runs, 24 doubles, four triples, 97 RBIs, and 105 runs.

If Schlittler, Rice, and the Yankees advance to the ALDS, they will likely get Aaron Judge back from injury, which would be a significant addition as they look to win the World Series.

New York will call on Max Fried to start in Game 2 as they look to close out the series and will be taking on Sonny Gray.