There are a few matchups in baseball that get the blood pumping and adrenaline rushing, like the Boston Red Sox vs. the New York Yankees. The rivalry dates as far back as Babe Ruth, but while that’s dramatic enough, throw in two rookies—both with ties to Boston—squaring off under the bright lights of Yankee Stadium in a winner-take-all Game 3. It’s cheesy, but it is almost like a Hollywood script.

On one side, you have Connelly Early, a 23-year-old rookie left-hander with just 19⅓ ⅓ MLB innings under his belt, throwing the reins of Boston’s hopes and dreams. And on another is Cam Schltter, a 24-year-old righty who grew up 20 miles from Fenway Park, raised as a Red Sox fan, in a Red Sox family, until the Yankees came his way. He embraced the pinstripes, and so did his family, and if that doesn’t sting Boston fans, the head-on collision sure will.

But Early is ready to face anything and everything. “It’s 1-1 now, so comes down to this game, and I’m excited to get out there.” The rookie is walking into fire. And well, this confidence many don’t get given; just a year ago, he was in a different spot.

Early was pitching for the Class A Greenville Drive! He made his MLB debut on September 9, striking out 11 in just five shutout innings against the Oakland Athletics. And now, just a month later, he stands between the Boston Red Sox being eliminated and moving forward. And it is understandable why Alex Cora would trust Early. He has been impressive to say the least, striking out 29 batters in 19 innings while posting a 2.33 ERA. Even in the games the team lost, he never gave up more than two runs. Plus, his 94 mph fastball is a no-brainer, and he can be composed. And being nervous is not in the cards for him. After Andrew Bailey, the pitching coach, told him that Game 3 was his, his reaction was, “Let’s go. Let’s do it.”

Well, this is the mindset one needs when thousands of fans in Yankee Stadium are waiting for them to stumble. But that’s not saying that Boston Red Sox season was not supposed to rest on his shoulders. Injuries to Lucas Giolito simply forced the team to turn to their rookie. And Sox might most likely put him on a short leash, just like Brayan Bello was pulled after 28 pitches in Game 2. Plus, it doesn’t help that Yankee is putting out an opposition player who is just as confident.

Yankees’ Cam Schlittler will want to shine

Right across the diamond is Cam Schlittler. His recent comments on how he and his family converted to pinstripes make the rivalry sting a lot more. He is a Northeastern product and was drafted in the 7th round by New York in 2022. Schlitter, too, was not supposed to be here this soon, but injuries forced the Yankees to get him quick, and he has been lights out. Compared to Early, he is the veteran here.

In just 14 starts, he has gone 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA, and he struck out 84 across 73 innings. He has limited walks, and well, his seven scoreless innings against Baltimore, then 5.1 innings of one-run ball right before this series, speak volumes about him.

He has faced the Boston Red Sox, too, way back in February 2020, as a Northeastern freshman. And well, he still remembers the game well. But this time, it’s not a spring game; he is holding the fate of both the Yankees and the Sox in his hands. And all eyes will be on him. But the real question is, can Early save his team from the team that has been red-hot last month?

Can Early save the Boston Red Sox?

This question is the one that both Yankee and Boston fans will be in two minds about. And to be honest, Early has the poise and that fastball to keep Sox dreams alive. To help them eat their rivals. And he has done everything since his call-up, like never allowing more than two runs in a start. On paper, it is perfect, but this is far from a fairy tale—this is Yankee Stadium and the team they would be facing.

Boston is missing Roman Anthony and facing New York, a team that has led the majors in runs scored and crushed the lefties with a .744 OPS. This is history that’s pressing into a kid who’s only just stepped in, barely a month into it. In fact, did you know this is the first time in postseason history where both pitchers have 15 or fewer career appearances combined? This is not experience fighting with experiences; it’s simply nerves vs. nerves.

So right now, Early saving of the Red Sox season seems less than likely. The odds are too long; Boston is asking a rookie out of Virginia to tame the Yankees in one of the most hostile environments in baseball. Plus, he has never pitched beyond 5.1 innings in a game, and the Sox have gone just 1-3 in his starts. So that is a lack of support, and the pitching staff is not on point. But if he pulls this win, it will be a rookie writing another great chapter in this rivalry epic for sure.