Schlittler pitches another scoreless start as Yankees finish opening road trip with 5-1 record

Cam Schlittler's performance in last October's AL Wild Card Series was hailed as a "career-defining game," where his gritty start helped the New York Yankees eliminate the Boston Red Sox, announcing his arrival on the postseason stage. Now, it seems that assessment may have been premature. This 25-year-old right-handed pitcher is increasingly demonstrating consistency in the majors, which is becoming his new normal.

Today, against the Seattle Mariners on the road, Schlittler pitched 6.1 innings without allowing a run, struck out seven batters, and retired the final 15 batters consecutively, helping the team win 5-3.

"The most important thing is pitching with a lead, doing my job, and staying efficient," Schlittler said. "Controlling walks, limiting hits, and generating strikeouts—that's a good way to help the team win."

Paul Goldschmidt blasted a three-run homer, and Ben Rice added a solo shot in the ninth inning, helping the Yankees finish their season-opening road trip with a 5-1 record, one of the team's best starts in nearly two decades. The New York Yankees also started 5-1 in the 2020 and 2024 seasons.

Defense was key to the Yankees' victory: they allowed only six runs in the first six games, ranking as the third-lowest runs allowed in the first six games of a season in MLB history (the 1915 Phillies and 2002 Giants each allowed five).

"We played well this week, but there are six months left in the season," Goldschmidt said. "We've been emphasizing attention to detail, playing good baseball, and solid defense—not trying to hit a home run every pitch. Hopefully, that effort pays off."

Schlittler's spring training was slowed by back and oblique issues, and his season debut against the Giants saw him throw only 68 pitches. However, he remained sharp in this game, with his fastball reaching up to 98.2 mph. The Mariners managed only two hits off Schlittler: Luke Raley singled after one out in the second inning, and after that, Seattle had no further hits.

The only limitation for Schlittler was his pitch count—79 pitches. In his two starts this season, he has pitched 11.2 innings total, allowing only three hits, striking out 15 batters, and issuing no walks.

"It's really exciting to see him pitch with such dominance and attack the strike zone so aggressively," manager Aaron Boone said. "He got outs early, allowing him to pitch deep into the game with a low pitch count. He pitched exceptionally well and set the tone for the team."

Schlittler became the first pitcher in Yankees history to begin a season with consecutive starts of at least five scoreless innings and seven strikeouts each.

"He's willing to attack you with his best pitches," Rice said. "Obviously, it's tough to get hits off him."

Giancarlo Stanton was rested as planned. Goldschmidt homered in the sixth inning off George Kirby, who allowed four runs over six innings. This was Goldschmidt's first home run against a right-handed pitcher since June 6 last year.

"I love this lineup, I love being a Yankee," Goldschmidt said. "It's fun playing here. This is a team capable of winning, and I'll do whatever is needed. I enjoy playing, but even when I'm not on the field, I love cheering for my teammates from the sidelines."

Cal Raleigh hit a two-run single in the eighth inning off David Bednar, after Camilo Doval allowed two hits and a walk, loading the bases for the Mariners. Rice sealed the win with a solo homer in the ninth inning off Cooper Criswell. Rice has reached base in all five games this season, with 7 hits in 17 at-bats, batting .412.

"Some balls found luck," Rice said, "but overall, the quality of the plate appearances has been consistently good."

Bednar allowed a run-scoring single to Dominic Canzone in the ninth inning, then ended the game by getting Cole Young to fly out. Boone had Bednar throw 40 pitches, admitting, "As a manager, that pitch count is concerning, especially early in the season."

"But he handled the pressure and did a great job," Boone said.

After a long spring training, two exhibition games in Arizona, and six regular-season games on the West Coast, the Yankees are finally heading back home to the Bronx to prepare for their home opener against the Miami Marlins.

"The whole team is pushing each other and in good form," Schlittler said. "It feels great to win this series, and we'll carry that confidence back home."