Yankees Achieve Rare Feat in Early Season

The New York Yankees’ pitching staff has been a force to be reckoned with at the beginning of the 2026 season. This dominance continued on Wednesday night with a 5-3 victory over the Seattle Mariners.

Schlittler Shines Against Mariners

Cam Schlittler took the mound for the Yankees against the Mariners, delivering a strong performance. He pitched 6.1 innings, allowing only two hits and recording seven strikeouts in the win. Seattle’s runs were solely attributed to the New York bullpen.

Key Offensive Plays for Seattle

Cal Raleigh drove in two runs for the Mariners, while Dominic Carzone added another RBI. Despite their efforts, Seattle couldn’t overcome the Yankees’ strong pitching.

Historic Run Prevention

The Yankees’ performance through their first six games has been historically significant. According to MLB researcher Sarah Langs, New York has allowed just six runs, the third-fewest in MLB history through six games. Only the 1915 Philadelphia Phillies and the 2002 San Francisco Giants have conceded fewer runs at this stage of a season – both with five.

Schlittler on His Pitching Strategy

Schlittler revealed he’s been relying on a focused approach with just three pitches. “Early on, it was the four-seam. Middle of the game, it was the two-seam. And then later on, it was the cutter,” he explained. “So again, felt pretty strong with the game plan I had, and just attacking guys with those three pitches.”

Strong Start Following Dominant Performance

Schlittler began the season with a shutout performance against the San Francisco Giants, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings. Manager Aaron Boone highlighted Schlittler’s ability to consistently throw strikes with his fastball as a key to his success, noting that improved stuff has elevated his game.

Yankees Thrive Despite Injuries

The Yankees have achieved this success without a full pitching rotation, as Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon remain on the injury list. Schlittler emphasized the team’s overall strength, stating, “I think this staff’s dominant. The bullpen’s been great as well. So, I think the team as a whole, just feeding off each other and taking it into each game and each start and just keep rolling with it.”

Looking Ahead: Home Opener

The Yankees will return home for the first time this season to face the Miami Marlins on Friday in their home opener.