We often underestimate how important the count is in an at-bat. For a hitter, it’s not the same to swing at a 3-1 pitch as doing it in a 1-2 or 0-2 count. The approach, location, and pitch selection all change during those two hypothetical cases.
Obviously, if a pitcher can gain an early 0-1 advantage, it’s like a Formula One driver getting the pole position. If he falls into an early 1-0 or 2-0 count, the chances of the hitter doing some damage are quite high. What does this have to do with the Yankees, you might ask?