Red Sox spent weeks facing robot Cam Schlittler, then he ‘dominated every pitch’ in real life
MassLive.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Cam Schlittler dominated the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium, pitching 6⅓ innings with 10 strikeouts and allowing only two hits in a 9-0 Yankees victory.
- Despite extensive preparation using a robotic pitching machine replicating Schlittler’s pitches, the Red Sox hitters struggled to adjust to his live pitching, especially his increased use of curveballs.
- Schlittler’s fastball velocity averaged 98.6 mph, and his mix of fastballs, sinkers, cutters, and a strategic curveball made him nearly unhittable, resulting in 24 swings-and-misses.
- Red Sox players acknowledged the difference between cage practice and game conditions, noting the challenge of adapting to Schlittler’s delivery and the intense playoff atmosphere.
- The Red Sox will face left-handed pitcher Max Fried in Game 2, hoping to rebound and extend their postseason run without having to face Schlittler again this year.
