Max Fried’s Stellar Performance Shines Through

TAMPA — Max Fried dazzled on the mound, delivering an impressive 7 2/3 innings that secured a 4-0 victory for the Yankees against the Rays on Sunday afternoon at Steinbrenner Field. However, his near no-hitter was clouded by a controversial scoring decision announced just before his first hit was recorded.

Scoring Controversy Steals the Spotlight

As Fried approached the eighth inning, expectations were high for a no-hit performance. However, the official scorer, Bill Matthews, declared that Chandler Simpson had actually earned the Rays’ first hit two innings prior—revising a previous call that had credited an error to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.

The pivotal moment occurred during the sixth inning when Simpson’s ball skimmed off Goldschmidt’s glove. Despite Fried’s sprint to first base, the initial call rested on a questionable error. After revisiting the play multiple times, Matthews reversed the decision, but the announcement came during a tense moment in the game.

Mixed Emotions for Fried and His Fans

The crowd of 10,046, alongside Fried, was seemingly blindsided by the decision when the scoreboard briefly flashed a hit before Jake Mangum’s subsequent single in the eighth. Fried, unfazed, stated, "I looked up and saw two hits. It is what it is; I’m just happy we got the win.”

Backing from Teammates and Defense

Despite the confusion, Fried’s performance showcased his status as the Yankees’ ace, particularly in the absence of Gerrit Cole. Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the peculiar circumstances but emphasized, "It makes it a little bit dicey when it’s within the game, especially with a no-hitter going on. But the reality is it was a hit.”

The Yankees provided support with home runs from Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, and Austin Wells, while the defense dazzled with crucial plays, including a spectacular diving catch from Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Fried’s Focus on Team Success

With an impressive 1.42 ERA over five starts, Fried’s mindset revolves around collective success over personal achievements. "I’m just trying to be myself," he declared. "When I prep, I just want to make sure I’m leaving everything out there. If we come out with the win, that’s all I really care about."

Looking Ahead: Yankees’ Future is Bright

As the Yankees improved their record to 14-8 and secured three out of four victories against the Rays (9-13), Fried’s performance proved vital in their bounce-back efforts after a disappointing loss the previous day. With determination and talent on their side, the Yankees are rallying for a strong season ahead.