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Payton Tolle embraces 'real slobberknocker' playoff battle against Yankees

Boston Red Sox rookie ace Payton Tolle is preparing to take the mound for Game 1 of the American League wild-card series against the New York Yankees on Tuesday, September 29. Following a stellar campaign in which he posted 171 strikeouts across 148 and two-thirds innings after his April call-up, the 23-year-old pitcher is stepping into high-stakes postseason action.

He will face off against Yankees pitcher Cam Schlittler, who dominated Boston in the previous year's playoffs. Tolle maintains a relaxed public demeanor and honors his late mother Jina by keeping a tribute stitched onto his glove.

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