It doesn’t get bigger than this. On Thursday, October 2, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox meet in a winner-take-all Game 3 of the AL Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium. One team moves on to face the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL Division Series—the other’s season is over.

Pitching Spotlight

The Yankees turn to rookie Cam Schlittler, who has impressed with a 2.96 ERA in his first year. It’s the biggest start of his career, and Yankee fans will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the pressure.

Boston counters with Connelly Early, a talented prospect thrust into the spotlight after veteran Lucas Giolito was sidelined with an injury. Like Schlittler, Early is untested in this type of moment, and the bullpens for both clubs could play a massive role.

Stars to Watch

Aaron Judge is the heartbeat of the Yankees, and October is his stage. Judge has hit 15 postseason home runs in just 44 games before this series, delivering clutch moments that have defined his career. With one swing, he can change the course of Game 3.

For Boston, Alex Bregman has quickly become their anchor since signing in the offseason. A playoff veteran and 2025 All-Star, Bregman has both the bat and the leadership to carry Boston in high-pressure moments.

This is what makes the rivalry so special: elite stars battling under October lights.

Rivalry in Full Force

Boston dominated the regular-season series, winning 9 of 13 matchups, but Yankee Stadium in October is a different beast. The Bronx crowd will be electric, every pitch will feel like life or death, and momentum can swing in an instant.

This isn’t just a game—it’s Yankees vs. Red Sox with everything on the line.

Be Part of the Action

If you’ve never been to a Yankees–Red Sox playoff game, now’s your chance. Feel the energy, the noise, the pressure—get your Game 3 tickets here while they last. Want more October drama? Check out [tickets for the entire Wild Card Series] to lock in your seat for history.

Betting Buzz

Sportsbooks give the Yankees the edge:

–165 to –185 favorites in most series lines

Red Sox around +150 underdogs

But every fan knows odds mean nothing in this rivalry. What matters is who steps up in the biggest moment.

The Bottom Line

Thursday night in the Bronx has all the makings of a classic. Yankees. Red Sox. Game 3. The winner advances to Toronto—the loser goes home.

This is what October baseball is all about.