Yankees ace Cam Schlittler's curveball destroys Red Sox in Game 1

New York Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Yankees ace Cam Schlittler's curveball destroys Red Sox in Game 1

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Sep 30, 2026 12:27 AM ET

Cam Schlittler's curveball left the Boston Red Sox's offense silent in Game 1 of the AL wild-card series (AL WCS) for the New York Yankees on Tuesday night. It helped propel the team to a 9-0 postseason shutout, which also featured a two-home run game from Ben Rice.

But Schlittler's wicked curve proved to be a lethal weapon against Red Sox hitters. It had nasty written all over it, and it was a weapon of mastery that generated a remarkable 50% whiff rate.

He continued to end at-bats throwing his curve as a sword. He marked his territory on the mound, with Red Sox hitters fooled by the pitch with its incredible deceptive drop.

As a practically unhittable pitch, it also helped him continue to dominate against the Red Sox while simultaneously making Yankees history.

Cam Schlittler vs. Red Sox:

6.1 IP
0 ER
10 K
2 H
1 BB
24 Whiffs
117 Pitches (career-high)

50% Whiff rate on curveball. pic.twitter.com/wo8lfHf17X
— Underdog MLB (@UnderdogMLB) September 30, 2026

According to ESPN Insights, he is the first player in franchise history with multiple postseason outings of 10 strikeouts and no runs allowed, both coming against the Red Sox.

Schlittler also owns a stellar 0.74 ERA against the Red Sox in his career. His performance this season, including the playoffs, shows his workhorse durability having pitched 200 innings with an overall 1.89 ERA.

Cam Schlittler is the first player in Yankees history with multiple postseason outings of 10 K and 0 R allowed and they have both come against the Red Sox ⚾

His postseason stats vs BOS: 14.1 IP, 0 R, 22 K pic.twitter.com/iUwIRWBQll
— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) September 30, 2026

Cam Schlittler's elite postseason performance is one for the record books

The AL Cy Young front-runner tossed another one of his gems against the AL East rival Red Sox, repeating history from his successful postseason matchup in 2025. He's yet to give up an earned run against them with 22 strikeouts across 14.1 postseason innings pitched.

He tossed 6.1 inning scoreless innings and had 10 strikeouts, only two hits, one walk and career-highs in both whiffs (24) and total pitches (117). Fueling the crowd at Yankee Stadium, fans were chanting "MVP" for Schlittler and rewarded him with a standing ovation after he exited the mound.

Schlittler was known for throwing heaters with his 98 mph fastball during the regular season (44% usage) and only turned to his curve 10% of the time. But his curve made a bold statement against the Red Sox, who had no answers for it. His vicious curve is also a testament to the fact that a pitch doesn't have to be destructive only based on its speed. Overall, his curve was effective in the mid-to-high 80s and was a nightmare for Red Sox hitters.

Cam Schlittler, Wicked 87mph Curveball. pic.twitter.com/jhVnm30bOi
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 30, 2026

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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