BONUS: ALWC Game 1 Reaction (9/29/26)

Cam Schlittler just delivered the kind of postseason performance Yankees fans dream about.

Six and a third innings. Two hits. One walk. Ten strikeouts. Zero runs. A career-high pitches in the postseason. Against the Red Sox.

Chris and AJ break down a dominant 9-0 Yankees victory that puts New York one win away from advancing. Schlittler set the tone, and the offense eventually turned a close game into a celebration. Ben Rice provided the fireworks with a grand slam and six RBI, while George Lombard Jr. announced himself with a three-hit, two-run performance.

The conversation also dives into some of the biggest roster and lineup questions surrounding the Yankees. Why was Aaron Judge left off the Wild Card roster? What does Giancarlo Stanton's activation actually mean? Has Anthony Volpe played himself into a bigger role? And could the Yankees roll out an extremely left-handed lineup against Sonny Gray in Game 2?

There was also plenty of appreciation for Austin Wells' contribution, Spencer Jones' performance, the Yankees' defensive improvements, and the strategic decisions that could shape the next game.

The Yankees have one more win to get. Let's talk about it.

Topics Discussed

• How Cam Schlittler dominated Boston in his second postseason start against the Red Sox.
• Why Schlittler's 10-strikeout shutout performance was especially significant in Yankees-Red Sox postseason history.
• How Ben Rice transformed Game 1 with a grand slam and six RBI.
• Why George Lombard Jr.'s three-hit performance matters beyond one playoff game.
• What Aaron Judge's absence from the Wild Card roster means for the Yankees.
• Why Giancarlo Stanton's activation surprised Chris and AJ.
• How Anthony Volpe's performance could affect the Yankees' defensive alignment and lineup.
• Why the hosts questioned the Yankees' decision not to bunt in a key early-game situation.
• What Spencer Jones' splits against left-handed pitching could mean for Game 2.
• What the Yankees' potential Game 2 lineup could look like against Sonny Gray.

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