Max Fried’s 13 Ks Fuel Yankees Surge, Secures 18th Win

On Thursday night, Yankee Stadium got a real treat. Max Fried delivered one of the most dominant pitching performances of the season against the Baltimore Orioles.

In a 7-0 shutout, Fried struck out 13 batters over seven innings, tying his career high. He allowed just three singles and picked up his 18th win of the 2024 campaign, the most he’s ever had in a season. That’s just another reason why he’s considered one of MLB’s top arms right now.

Max Fried’s Pitching Clinic Against Baltimore

From the first pitch, Fried looked completely dialed in. The lefty mixed his pitches with a confidence that only comes from experience.

He worked his fastball, changeup, and curveball like a craftsman. Orioles hitters just couldn’t get comfortable all night.

Breaking Down Fried’s Arsenal

The Orioles’ lineup had a rough time figuring out Fried’s approach. Some of the highlights:

• Fastball Command – He kept the velocity in the mid-90s and hit his spots on both sides of the plate.
• Deceptive Changeup – That late fade down and away from right-handers? Nearly unhittable.
• Curveball Bite – The sharp drop and hidden release point messed with timing and led to weak contact.

Every Orioles starter struck out at least once, except for rookie Gunnar Henderson. You don’t see that kind of dominance every day, especially with the way hitters swing nowadays.

Ace Status Confirmed

Last December, the Yankees made a big move and signed Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. That deal made plenty of noise in the offseason and made it clear the Yankees were serious about their rotation.

Boone’s Praise, Rivals’ Respect

Manager Aaron Boone hasn’t held back in his praise for Fried. He’s called him “phenomenal” and pointed out his athleticism, calm under pressure, and ability to step up in big moments.

Even Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino gave Fried his due, calling him “an ace without a doubt” after watching his hitters struggle all night.

Impact on the Yankees’ Season

This latest gem from Fried couldn’t have come at a better time for the Yankees. The win marked their 17th in the last 24 games, bringing them just three games behind the AL East-leading Toronto Blue Jays.

Setting Up for October

Looking ahead, Boone knows a locked-in Fried could be the difference in October. Playoff series can turn on a single dominant starter, and Fried’s ability to shut down both righties and lefties makes him the kind of pitcher championship teams lean on.

What’s Next for Fried and the Yankees

Max Fried just keeps racking up wins. With his career-best numbers and that steady dominance, he’s starting to stand out among today’s pitchers.

The Yankees are fighting hard as the season winds down. Every Fried start feels heavy—like it matters for more than just the scoreboard.

If he keeps pitching like this, he might really end up in the American League Cy Young Award conversation. For fans, though, it’s more about the electricity he brings each time he takes the mound.

October’s creeping closer, and you can sense the rest of the league is watching. When Fried’s locked in, the Yankees always have a shot, and you can bet every opponent is bracing for a tough night.

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