Max Fried loses no-hit bid in controversial scoring change

On April 20, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, Yankees left-hander Max Fried was performing exceptionally well, having not allowed a hit through six innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees led the game 3-0, owing to Fried's impressive pitching performance, in which he had thrown 49 of his 77 pitches for strikes. This game was particularly notable as it marked Fried's first season with the Yankees after signing a hefty contract during the offseason. The Yankees also displayed solid defensive performances, contributing to the hitless outing until that moment. Fried's efforts were complemented by two defensive plays that added to the excitement of the game. The game unfolded at Steinbrenner Field, a venue that the Rays temporarily used due to hurricane damage at their home stadium, Tropicana Field. However, the situation escalated in the eighth inning when Fried faced a significant setback. Initially, the official scorer had ruled that a grounder by rookie Chandler Simpson was an error, allowing Fried to maintain his no-hit status. As Fried was poised to start the eighth inning, the official scorer, Bill Mathews, changed the decision after reviewing video replays. Mathews concluded that Simpson would have beaten any throw to first base, thus revoking the error ruling and officially giving Simpson a hit. This decision meant that Fried's no-hit bid was lost right before he commenced pitching the next inning. Following the change, Jake Mangum led off the eighth with a clean single, further cementing the unfortunate turn of events for Fried. Despite the setback, Fried continued to exhibit strong pitching and ended the game with two hits allowed in 7.2 innings. The Yankees secured a 4-0 victory over the Rays, marking their fifth win in the last six games, and solidifying Fried's undefeated record this season. The game also featured manager Aaron Boone's first ejection of the season, adding another layer of drama to an already eventful day. As things progressed, it became clear that the Rays faced ongoing challenges, including being shut out in three of their last five games. This game not only highlighted Fried's capabilities as a pitcher but also raised questions regarding scoring decisions and the impact they can have on a player's historical game milestones. Fried's performance stood out among the Yankees' pitching roster, reiterating their strong season thus far. As the Yankees prepare for their next match, eyes will be on Fried and how he responds to this close encounter with history, especially given the recent scrutiny regarding scorekeeping accuracy in baseball.