Yankees Rookie Schlittler Sparks Red Sox Rivalry Ahead AL Wild Card Game 3

The longstanding rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees has intensified as rookie pitchers Cam Schlittler for the Yankees and Connelly Early for the Red Sox prepare for the decisive Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series. Schlittler, a Boston native and former Red Sox fan, revealed that his family has shifted their allegiance to the Yankees due to his career, a statement that has sparked significant backlash from Red Sox fans who refuse to believe such a switch is possible. Fans have expressed strong disdain on social media, emphasizing the deep-rooted nature of team loyalty in this historic rivalry and criticizing Schlittler for what they see as disrespect towards the Red Sox. Schlittler has been effective in his rookie season, boasting a 2.96 ERA, and now faces the challenge of potentially eliminating his childhood team. Another Massachusetts native, Ben Rice, a Yankees player who grew up supporting the Yankees, has also contributed to the Yankees' recent success in the series. The emotional and competitive stakes remain high as these players from Massachusetts face off in this high-profile playoff matchup, highlighting the personal and regional tensions that fuel the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry.