Max Fried showed why he’s the ace of the New York Yankees’ rotation, tossing 7.2 dominant innings in a 4-0 shutout win over the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday afternoon at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The victory clinched the series for the American League East-leading Yankees (14-8).
Fried, pitching like a $218 million man, flirted with a no-hitter and allowed just two hits while striking out two and walking two. The left-hander kept Tampa Bay off balance all afternoon, helping New York rebound after Saturday’s extra-inning loss.
Trent Grisham set the tone early, leading off the game with a solo homer, his sixth of the season. Despite three strikeouts in the game, Grisham’s early blast gave the Yankees a needed spark in what became a pitching duel.
Cody Bellinger extended New York’s lead with an RBI groundout and later launched a solo home run, his second of the season. Austin Wells capped the scoring in the ninth with an opposite-field solo shot, his fourth of the year.
Manager Aaron Boone was ejected for the first time this season after arguing a strike-three call on Aaron Judge, as well as a previous call where Judge appeared to hit a home run, but it was ruled foul.
Next, the Yankees head to Cleveland for a three-game set beginning Monday at 6:10 p.m., with Clarke Schmidt set to start for New York.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].