New York Yankees pitching staff opens season with three shutouts in first three games; manager Boone: "Hard to imagine"

In today's away game against the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees starting left-hander Max Fried pitched seven innings without allowing a run, striking out six, walking one, and yielding only three hits, extending the pitching staff's almost flawless performance at the start of the season. The team equaled an MLB record that had lasted 83 years, leading manager Aaron Boone to state that everything has been "surprising."

Fried pitched 6.1 scoreless innings in the opening game and delivered another standout performance this time. He currently holds a 2-0 record, having pitched at least six innings without allowing a run in consecutive starts, matching a team record. This game also earned him his eighth consecutive regular-season win across seasons, setting a new personal career high.

"Last game, I was sometimes just trying to get the ball into the strike zone. But today I could control pitches precisely, making pitching much easier. Against a team like this, you have to execute every pitch well—they are a very strong lineup," Fried said after the game.

Fried utilized seven different pitch types in this game, including three varieties of fastballs, making it difficult for the Mariners' hitters to adjust. Giancarlo Stanton praised him highly: "He carried over his dominance from last year, making it extremely tough for batters. He disrupts the opponent's rhythm and controls the inside and outside corners well—it's truly incredible."

Catcher J.C. Escarra also spoke highly of Fried: "It's really unbelievable. He has so many pitches working; no matter how I call the game, it's never wrong, making it much easier for both him and me."

Boone gave high praise for Fried's performance: "He was really outstanding tonight, controlling the game completely from the start. He used a diverse mix of pitches, his changeup was excellent, his fastball had good life, and he could get hitters out in various ways. There was only a bit of pressure in the seventh inning, but overall he dominated almost the entire way."

On the other hand, the Yankees have allowed only three runs in their first five games this season, matching the record for fewest runs allowed since the 1943 St. Louis Cardinals. The team has already completed three shutouts, equaling the 2002 Yankees team record and becoming the fifth team since 2000 to achieve this feat.

"We have many talented pitchers, and everyone is eager to compete. Once the season started, we just went all out, leaving everything on the field. We're pitching well now, and the key is to keep it going," Fried affirmed regarding the pitching staff's performance.

Boone admitted that the pitchers' start to the season exceeded expectations: "Everyone has contributed. Fried pitched into or completed the seventh inning in two consecutive games, other starters have also suppressed opponents, and the bullpen has performed excellently."

"We certainly had confidence in the pitching staff, but it's hard to imagine so many shutouts at the start of the season. No matter how strong the pitchers are, it usually doesn't go this smoothly. It's a fantastic start; they are pitching with confidence and executing very well," Boone added.

Boone further stated: "They are full of confidence now and continue to execute the plan. Austin Wells and Escarra are guiding well behind them, plus the defense is steady. When all these things come together, you see a lot of zeros."