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The New York Yankees pitching staff has been dominant early in the 2026 season, and that continued Wednesday night in the team’s 5-3 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Cam Schlittler was in trouble against the Mariners. He went 6.1 innings, allowed two hits and struck out seven in the victory. The only runs Seattle was able to muster came against New York’s bullpen. Cal Raleigh had two RBIs and Dominic Carzone added one more.
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New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler throws against the Seattle Mariners in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Yet the Yankees entered rare company through their first six games of the season.
New York’s six runs allowed in the first six games of the season is the third-fewest runs in MLB history, according to MLB researcher Sarah Langs. Only the 2002 San Francisco Giants and the 1915 Philadelphia Phillies have fewer runs through the first six games of a season with five.
Schlittler admitted he only used three casts to get the job done: a four-seamer, a cutter and a sinker.
“At first it was the four-seam play. In the middle of the game it was the two-seam play. And then later it was the cutter,” Schlittler said. “Again, I felt pretty strong with the game plan I had and just attacking guys with those three pitches.”
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New York Yankees starting pitcher Cam Schlittler returns to the dugout after facing the Seattle Mariners in the first inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Schlittler began his season with a dominant performance against the San Francisco Giants, denying the team any runs while on the mound in 5.1 innings.
“His calling card since he came into the organization was his ability to throw strikes with his fastball,” Boone said. “And now, as he’s moved to another level from a material standpoint, it’s really served him well.”
New York also performed without its full rotation. Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon remain on the injured list to start the season.
“I think this staff is dominant,” Schlittler said. “The bullpen has been great as well. So I think the team as a whole feeds off each other and takes it into every game and every start and just keeps rolling with it.”
Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners returns to the dugout after hitting the New York Yankees during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
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The Yankees will return home for the first time this season. New York will host the Miami Marlins on Friday for their home opener.
