Thursday was a big opportunity for the Yankees. The Tigers, Red Sox, and Blue Jays had all lost, setting up the Yanks for a day that, if they came through, could pull them within three of the AL East, put them three games ahead of the Red Sox, and give them sole possession of the second-best record in the American League.

Despite a ridiculous travel schedule once again forcing them to arrive at their new destination at nearly four in the morning, we didn’t see a sleepy performance like we saw to start the series against Toronto or Detroit. In fact, it was the Yankees that jumped out to the early lead and held on all night long, riding a balanced offensive attack and a sensational start by Max Fried to a series-opening 7-0 victory at Camden Yards.

The Yankees are by far the best first-inn

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