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Archives for October 2, 2025

Yankees Outduel Red Sox

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BRONX – Rookie starting pitcher Cam Schlittler struck out 12 in eight innings during a stellar postseason debut as the New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox with a 4-0 victory in Game 3 of the American League wild-card series on Thursday night.

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The Yankees, who won the final two games of the best-of-three set, advance to the AL Division Series to face the Blue Jays. Game 1 of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Saturday in Toronto.

New York capitalized on shaky Boston defense in a four-run fourth inning. That was more than enough for Schlittler (1-0), who allowed five hits and no walks while throwing consistently in the upper 90s. The 24-year-old right-hander fired 75 of his career-high 107 pitches for strikes.

“I was locked in,” said Schlittler, a Massachusetts native. “I knew exactly what I needed to do and go out there, especially against my hometown team. As I told Andy (Pettitte) yesterday, I wasn’t going to let them beat me. I was just overconfident in that fact. Making sure I wasn’t getting too carried away with it.”

Schlittler joined Roger Clemens (15 in 2000), Gerrit Cole (13 in 2020) and Orlando Hernandez (12 in 2000) as the fourth player in Yankees history with at least 12 strikeouts in a postseason game. He is the only rookie in that group.

NBA Abu Dhabi Games ’25

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Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks Play First of Two Games in UAE

ABU DHABI – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – As the sun sets over Yas Island, the Etihad Arena is set to pulse with basketball energy today, October 2, 2025, hosting the kickoff of the NBA Abu Dhabi Games presented by ADQ. In a marquee preseason clash that tips-off the 2025-26 NBA campaign on an international stage, the Philadelphia 76ers (0-0) face the New York Knicks (0-0) at 12:01pm ET (8:01 pm local time). This is more than just an exhibition – it’s a global showcase blending two storied franchises with championship pedigree of long ago; the two-time NBA champion Knicks and the three-time champion 76ers.

(Broadcast live on NBA TV, the game carries a Vegas line favoring New York by 6.5 points, with an over/under of 217.5, hinting at a high-scoring affair under the UAE lights.)

“It’s good,” said Embiid, when asked about the importance of playing oversees. “I think the way the game is growing, it’s always a good thing to go overseas to showcase the talent that the whole league has. I’ve been fortunate to be part of some of these games, whether it’s London or even with Team USA last summer. It’s always good.”

Setting the Scene: A Desert Duel with Playoff Implications

For the fourth straight year, the NBA brings its flair to the Arabian Gulf, transforming the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena—home to everything from concerts to UFC—into a hoops haven. This doubleheader (with Game 2 slated for October 4) isn’t just about rust-busting; it’s a tune-up for two Atlantic Division rivals eyeing deep Eastern Conference runs. Last season’s Knicks, fresh off acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns, notched a franchise-record 50 wins but fell short in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the 76ers endured a nightmare 24-58 campaign marred by injuries, missing the postseason entirely—a stark contrast to their championship aspirations. With both squads healthy and hungry, expect fireworks that could foreshadow their regular-season battles.

Off the court, the NBA’s commitment to growth shines through: Players from both teams, including 76ers forward Paul George, recently hosted youth clinics in Abu Dhabi, emphasizing community ties in this burgeoning basketball market. Knicks president Leon Rose called it “an exciting moment” to tip off the season abroad, while 76ers managing partner Josh Harris highlighted the chance to “connect with new fans in a dynamic region.”

Key Storylines: Stars, Health, and Revenge

  1. Embiid’s Redemption Arc vs. Towns’ Dominance: Joel Embiid, the 2023 NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star, enters this matchup with a short but optimistic approach for playing time, coming after a frustrating 2024-25 sidelined by injuries. Paired with new addition Paul George (nine-time All-Star) and rising guard Tyrese Maxey (2024 All-Star), Philly’s “Big Three” could finally gel—if Embiid stays upright. On the flip side, Towns—making his return to Abu Dhabi after suiting up here with the Timberwolves in 2023—brings elite scoring and rebounding to a Knicks frontcourt that’s already Knicks tough. Watch for a battle in the paint: Embiid’s post mastery against Towns’ mid-range finesse.
  2. Backcourt Brilliance: Brunson and Maxey Light It Up: Jalen Brunson, the reigning Kia NBA Clutch Player of the Year, torched Philly for 30+ points in last year’s playoff meetings. Teamed with Mikal Bridges (2022 All-Defensive First Team), New York’s guards aim for a third straight 50-win season. Maxey, exploding into stardom last year, will counter with his blistering speed—Philly desperately needs his consistency to offset their depth issues.
  3. Injury Ghosts and Preseason Priorities: Health looms large. Philly’s collapse last season was injury-riddled; expect coach Nick Nurse to manage minutes carefully. The Knicks, bolstered by Bridges’ two-way play, prioritize chemistry-building. Andre Drummond could see run off the bench for the Sixers, adding rebounding grit.

Prediction: Knicks Edge a Thriller, 112-106
In this exotic opener, the Knicks’ cohesion and defensive edge should prevail, but don’t sleep on Philly’s star power sparking a statement win. Either way, it’s prime viewing for global fans—expect highlight-reel dunks, trash-talk, and a taste of what’s to come in the East. Game on from the desert!

Red Sox, Yanks Turn to Rookie SPs

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BRONX – New York’s Jazz Chisholm Jr. was not in the lineup Tuesday because the New York Yankees were facing Boston Red Sox ace left-hander Garrett Crochet.

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While Chisholm appeared to not be thrilled with manager Aaron Boone’s decision, he and the rest of the Yankees were elated with the second baseman’s impact on Wednesday.

Chisholm and the Yankees will attempt to eliminate the Red Sox on Thursday when the longtime rivals play a winner-advance, loser-go-home Game 3 of their American League wild-card series.

New York rookie right-hander Cam Schlittler, a Boston-area native, will start against his hometown team. Rookie left-hander Connelly Early will start for the Red Sox, and Chisholm definitely will be in the lineup.

The winner will advance to the best-of-five AL Division Series, with Game 1 against the host Toronto Blue Jays scheduled for Saturday.

“I feel like every game is a must-win,” Chisholm said. “… We always put everything out there on the line, especially the playoffs. … There’s no space. You don’t want to give any team an edge.”

Chisholm’s imprints were all over the late innings as the Yankees avoided elimination with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night.

In the seventh inning, Chisholm knocked down a ground ball by pinch hitter Masataka Yoshida to hold him to an infield single, prevent a run from scoring. The game stayed tied when Fernando Cruz escaped a bases-loaded jam.

In the eighth, Chisholm walked with two outs after seeing seven pitches from Garrett Whitlock. He scored from first on a headfirst slide when Austin Wells singled down the right field line.

“He loves to play,” Boone said of Chisholm. “He feels a responsibility to us, his teammates. And, you know, he and I have always been good. Despite what you may think happened (Tuesday), like, yeah, he’s a gamer, and, you know, he likes the stage.”

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The Red Sox never led on Wednesday, though they tied the game twice thanks to Trevor Story, who hit well against the Yankees during the regular season. Story belted a two-run single in the third inning, and he added a solo homer in the sixth after the Yankees went ahead on a single by Aaron Judge.

Boston also was aggressive with its pitching staff, pulling Brayan Bello in the third inning after he allowed a two-run homer to Ben Rice in the first. The right-hander was out after 28 pitches.

“I thought it was a great ballgame,” Whitlock said. “I thought both sides played really well. I think you saw that with (in Games 1 and 2). And so hopefully we can put together a good game (Thursday) and go from there.”

After Crochet pitched 7 2/3 innings and Aroldis Chapman got the final four outs on Tuesday, Boston deployed six relievers (Justin Wilson, Justin Slaten, Steven Matz, Zack Kelly, Whitlock and Payton Tolle) on Wednesday.

“We were doing everything possible to get to the top of the ninth with a tie game,” Cora said after Whitlock threw a season-high 47 pitches.

Schlittler, who played at Northeastern University, which is a half-mile from Fenway Park, earned the start after a stellar two-plus months in the rotation. He finished 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts after making his debut July 9.

“He gave us a shot in the arm when he became another stabilizing force in our rotation,” Boone said Tuesday afternoon. “He will handle it well regardless of result or whatever, like I don’t think it will be too big for him, and he will be ready to roll.”

The 24-year-old struck out nine and pitched seven scoreless innings of two-hit ball against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday in his latest start.

Schlittler did not face the Red Sox in the regular season but said he faced Boston in an exhibition game when he was at Northeastern.

“Obviously I am a lot different player than I was then,” Schlittler said. “So didn’t really expect to be in this situation back then, but now I am definitely happy I am.”

Early was Boston’s fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft, and he went 1-2 with 2.33 ERA in four starts to open his major league career this year. He is filling in on Thursday for Lucas Giolito, who likely will miss the postseason due to elbow pain.

Early has yet to face the Yankees. He last pitched on Saturday against the Detroit Tigers, when he allowed two runs on four hits in five innings, throwing 86 pitches.

“It comes down to this game, and I’m excited to get out there,” Early said. “I’ve stuck to all my preparation and feel pretty good, so I’m ready to go out there and do it.”

–Field Level Media

PGA TOUR: FedEx Fall Series

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JACKSON – (Wire Service Report) – The PGA Tour returns to its regularly scheduled programming with the second event of its FedEx Fall series taking place in Mississippi this week, while the LPGA Tour is in Hawaii for the Lotte Championship.

PGA TOUR

LAST TOURNAMENT: Procore Championship (Scottie Scheffler)
THIS WEEK: Sanderson Farms Championship, Jackson, Miss., Oct. 2-5
Course: The Country Club of Jackson (Par 72, 7,461 Yards)
Purse: $6M (Winner: $1.08M)
Defending Champion: Kevin Yu
FedEx Cup Champion: Tommy Fleetwood

HOW TO FOLLOW
TV: Thursday-Saturday: 4-7 p.m. ET; Sunday: 3:30-6:30 p.m. (All times Golf Channel)
Streaming (ESPN+): Thursday-Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. ET; Saturday: 2-7 p.m.; Sunday: 2-6:30 p.m.
X: @Sanderson_Champ

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NOTES: Only the top 100 players in the FedEx Cup standings following the seven fall events will secure fully exempt status for 2026. Those who began the fall series in the top 70 have already clinched their top-100 eligibility, with Nos. 51-70 still working to secure spots in the first two signature events of 2026. … Rasmus Hojgaard is the only player in the field who competed in last week’s Ryder Cup. He went 0-2-0 for the winning European team. His twin brother, Nicolai, is also in the field, as is European vice captain Francesco Molinari and United States assistant Brandt Snedeker. … Former Vanderbilt star Will Gordon is in the field as a sponsor exemption, as is 2025 NCAA individual champion Michael La Sasso and his Ole Miss teammate Kye Meeks. Other sponsor invites include 2017 event winner Ryan Armour, Ben Martin, Zac Blair and Matt NeSmith. … Sam Burns holds the tournament scoring record at the Country Club of Jackson, which he set with a 266 in 2021.

BEST BETS: Akshay Bhatia (+2000 at DraftKings) is the highest-ranked player in the field at No. 34 and has three top-13 finishes in his past four starts. … Kevin Yu (+2200) is seeking to become the first player to win back-to-back Sanderson Farms Championships. … Min Woo Lee (+2500) has largely struggled since his win at the Texas Children’s Houston Open but is coming off a T5 at the Open de France. … Michael Thorbjornsen (+2800) is one of the game’s rising young stars and has three top-20s in his past six starts. … J.T. Poston (+3000) is a three-time PGA Tour winner and one of the most accomplished players in the field with 34 career top-10s. … Mackenzie Hughes (+3500) won this event in 2022 and is coming off a T7 at the Procore Championship.

NEXT TOURNAMENT: Baycurrent Classic, Yokohama, Japan, Oct. 9-12