The Boston Red Sox entered a decisive Game 3 against their nemesis, the New York Yankees, already at a disadvantage. Alex Cora's decision to empty his bullpen in Game 2 put rookie Connelly Early in a tough spot as the young left-hander made history.
It was apparent to everyone going in that this was going to be a difficult feat to pull off. But Red Sox fans didn't help matters. Opposing them was a local kid from Walpole, MA, and another rookie. Yankees starter Cam Schlittler was born to a family of Red Sox fans. The son of a Massachusetts police chief, Schlittler grew up rooting for the Sox, too.
However, the 24-year-old righty said that after being drafted by the Yankees, his family made the unheard-of conversion. They turned their backs on the Sox to become pinstripe lovers, and his proclamation of their treason drove Red Sox fans mad.
Red Sox media personality and Yankee agitator Jared Carrabis summed it up by calling Schlittler a liar, stating that his claim was "0% true." His was one of the more tame reactions. Boston fans were mad, but they quickly found out that if you stoke the fire too much, you might get burned.
Yankees Cam Schlittler fired back at Red Sox fans after Game 3
Unfortunately for the Red Sox, Schlittler was a buzzsaw. The flame-throwing righty carved up the lineup, hitting 101 on the gun multiple times and utilizing a variety of fastballs — a four-seamer, a sinker, and a cutter — to slice and dice Boston's bats.
The Massachusetts kid finished his night going eight scoreless innings and recording a whopping 12 strikeouts. After the game, he took his shot back at Boston.
Schlittler said the fans' jabs made it personal for him, adding, "There was a line they crossed a little bit. I'm a competitor. I'm gonna go out there and make sure I shut them down."
Cam Schlittler said it was "personal for me" to beat the Red Sox after hearing chirping from Boston fans. "There was a line they crossed a little bit. I'm a competitor. I'm gonna go out there and make sure I shut them down."
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) October 3, 2025
And shut them down he did. Ouch.
As the Red Sox are left to lick their wounds, they'll have to think long and hard about what went wrong with the club in what was a strange 2025 season. The plans for 2026 will include big decisions on Alex Bregman's future, the state of the starting rotation, and much more.
One lesson that they've already learned, however, is clear. Do not mess with Cam Schlittler. If you do, he will make you pay.