UPDATE: In a stunning performance, Max Fried led the New York Yankees to a commanding 7-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles Thursday night, striking out an impressive 13 batters in just seven innings. This victory comes as the Yankees surge in the AL East pennant race, narrowing the gap to just three games behind first-place Toronto.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his excitement, stating, “It was a total blast to watch from the Yankees’ dugout. He’s had a phenomenal year to this point.” Fried’s dominant outing showcased his athleticism and versatility on the mound, as he allowed only three singles, mixing his fastball with an effective changeup and a drop-down curveball. “I feel like he’s in a real good spot,” Boone added, highlighting Fried’s pivotal role as the team’s ace.
Fried’s performance tied his career high for strikeouts and marked a personal best of 18 wins this season. The left-hander, who signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with New York in December 2022, has proven to be a valuable investment for the franchise. “He’s everything you’d want in bringing someone in to be a featured guy in your rotation,” Boone remarked, emphasizing Fried’s impact both on and off the field.
The Yankees have now won 17 of their last 24 games, showcasing a remarkable turnaround as they push for postseason contention. Fried’s ability to retire 12 consecutive batters after giving up a second-inning single to Coby Mayo illustrates his dominance throughout the game. Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino noted, “That is an ace right there without a doubt,” highlighting the difficulty his team faced against Fried’s precision pitching.
Fried’s success is critical for the Yankees as they approach playoff season. Boone acknowledged Fried’s impressive track record this year, stating, “This was really good, really efficient.” As the team builds momentum, Fried’s performance stands out as a beacon of hope for Yankees fans looking for postseason glory.
The Yankees’ next challenge will be crucial as they continue to chase down the Blue Jays, with Fried likely to play a key role in their playoff aspirations. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can maintain this level of excellence as the season progresses.
Stay tuned for more updates on the Yankees’ pursuit of the AL East title and Fried’s ongoing journey as one of the league’s premier pitchers.
