Cam Schlittler delivered the performance of his young career Thursday night, shutting out the Red Sox through eight innings in Game 3 of the AL Wild Card series. The Yankees rookie struck out 12 while allowing just five hits in what turned into a masterpiece against Boston.
Watching from the stands was Matt Hyde, the Yankees scout who first spotted Schlittler at Northeastern University. You could say Hyde had a pretty good night.
“He was great. Unbelievable. He answered the bell, and it was fun to watch. Surreal. Especially to do it against Boston was amazing.”
That’s putting it mildly. The 24-year-old became the first pitcher in MLB history to go eight scoreless innings while striking out 12 without issuing a single walk. It’s the kind of stat line that makes scouts look really smart.
Schlittler’s journey to this moment started when the Yankees selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 draft. He made his MLB debut this past July, so we’re talking about a guy who’s still getting his feet wet at the highest level.
What makes this performance even better is the timing. The Yankees needed someone to step up in a big spot, and their rookie delivered against their biggest rival. Now they’re moving on to face the Blue Jays in the ALDS.
For Hyde, who’s been tracking Schlittler since his college days, Thursday night probably felt like watching a kid you’ve been rooting for finally get his moment. The scout’s investment in finding this pitcher just paid off in a huge way when it mattered most.
