Max Fried Tries To Win Game 3 For New York Yankees

Max Fried is the purported ace of the Yankees. Today, he faced 40-year-old Max Scherzer in a rubber game that he and the Yankees need. Fried labored, so did Scherzer, but the Yankees won the game and the series from the American League East-leading Toronto Blue Jays.  The Yankees also beat the Houston Astros in 2 out of 3 games. Fried pitched in that series as well. Do you think Fried is the ace of the Yankees?

Lineups For Yanks Supporting Max Fried

The Blue Jays had George Springer leading off, and he was the right fielder. Davis Schneider was the second baseman and batted second. Addison Barger pinch-hit for him in the eighth inning. He stayed in the game as the third baseman. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. batted third and was the designated hitter. Alejandro Kirk batted fourth and was the catcher. Ernie Clement was the shortstop and batted fifth. Ty France was the first baseman and batted sixth. 

Isiah Kiner-Falefa was the third baseman and batted seventh. He moved to second base to accommodate Barger.  Then, Daulton Varsho pinch-hit for him in the ninth inning. Nathan Lukes was the left fielder and batted eighth. Myles Straw was the center fielder and batted ninth. 

For the Yankees, Trent Grisham played center field and led off. Aaron Judge was the right fielder and batted second. Cody Bellinger was the left fielder and batted third. Ben Rice was the first baseman and batted fourth. Paul Goldschmidt replaced him in the ninth inning. Giancarlo Stanton was the designated hitter and batted fifth. Jazz Chisholm Jr. was the second baseman and batted sixth. Austin Wells was the catcher and batted seventh. Anthony Volpe was the shortstop and batted eighth. Ryan McMahon was the third baseman and batted ninth.

News and Notes

CC Sabathia, the Hall-of-Fame left-handed starting pitcher, was honored by the Yankees before the game. It is important to recognize, and important to Sabathia, that he was a black starting pitcher. Today, Sabathia was driven around the warning track in a golf cart by longtime teammate Andy Pettitte. Sabathia thanked numerous members of the club hierarchy, then said, “Most importantly, I want to thank the fans.” Bellinger, who threw out Bichette at home plate right before the rain delay yesterday, was being lauded for his arm today.

Game Reaction

This game was odd. Both Fried and Scherzer struggled. Fried gutted his way through his struggles, and Scherzer, who was removed after only 4.1 innings pitched. Max Fried pitched seven innings. This game was played in cool and overcast conditions. It was an important game, and the weather made the game have an October feel.

During the broadcast, it was mentioned that just over 33,000 came out in less-than-ideal conditions to see the Yankees play. That was significant because it put the Yankees over three million in attendance for the season. It was the 25th season in a row that the Yankees drew over three million fans. Volpe stuck out three times in a row. He continues to look lost at the plate.

Scoring Summary

In the first inning, the Yankees took a 3-0 lead as Rice hit a three-run home run. Judge and Bellinger both scored. In the second inning, Kiner-Falefa grounded out and Kirk scored. It was 3-1 Yankees. The Blue Jays were not done. Lukes then hit a sacrifice fly and Clement scored. In the third inning, the Yankees and Blue Jays traded runs. First, Guerrero Jr. doubled, and Springer scored. The game was tied at 3. Also in the third inning, Bellinger doubled, and Judge scored. The game was 4-3 in favor of the Yankees.

Conclusion

The Yankees got what they needed from Fried. His gutsy seven-inning performance was great for the Yankees. It seems like he is going to be the first starter for the Yankees in the playoffs. The Yankees are now six games into a tough 12-game stretch. After a day off tomorrow, they will have another home series, hosting the Detroit Tigers for three games.