The New York Yankees were close to perfect in Game 1 of their American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, but their fans might have committed the biggest blunder of the evening at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y.
With Yankees starter Cam Schlittler nearing the 100-pitch mark in the top of the sixth inning of an otherwise incredible performance, Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake took the mound to talk to the right-hander.
However, fans initially thought it was New York manager Aaron Boone taking the ball from Schlittler and ending the ace’s night. Loud boos reverberated inside the stadium, but they soon turned into cheers when it became clear that it was just Blake talking to Schlittler, who stayed in the game.
Here is a video of that moment.
Yankees fans thought Aaron Boone was coming to get Cam Schlittler, but it was just pitching coach Matt Blake. 😂 pic.twitter.com/gtyEMbLYTY
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) September 30, 2026
Schlittler would pitch until the seventh inning, when he was replaced by Paul Blackburn after giving up a single to Wilyer Abreu with one out
The 25-year-old Schlittler was nearly unhittable in his start, giving up zero runs and only two hits while striking out 10 Red Sox hitters over 117 pitches. Blackburn and John Schreiber made sure Schlittler’s big night wouldn’t be wasted, as the relievers mopped it up the rest of the way to help New York eke out a 9-0 win and take a 1-0 series lead over Boston.
The Yankees can send Boston to vacation as soon as Wednesday, when they give the ball to Max Fried.
