Ben Rice made his mark with a ninth-inning home run as the Yankees clinched a victory over the Mariners. The win finalises a successful road trip. Cam Schlittler continued his dominant form, pitching without conceding a run.
Schlittler’s Dominance on the Mound
Cam Schlittler delivered another impressive performance. He struck out seven batters over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. Schlittler retired the final 15 batters he faced in the 5-3 victory against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
Schlittler said the biggest thing is just pitching with a lead. He focused on being efficient. He also noted that limiting the walks, hits and strikeouts is a good way to put the team in a position to win.
Manager Aaron Boone noted Schlittler is throwing the ball incredibly well and set the tone for the team. Schlittler is the first Yankee to begin a season with back-to-back starts of at least five scoreless innings and seven strikeouts.
Rice commented that Schlittler is not afraid to come at you with his best stuff. He added that Schlittler is clearly very difficult to hit.
Yankees’ Strong Start to the Season
Paul Goldschmidt contributed with a three-run homer. This, along with Rice’s homer, helped the Yankees complete a 5-1 season-opening road trip.
- The Yankees also opened 5-1 in 2020 and ‘24.
- The Yankees have allowed just six runs.
- This is the third-fewest in MLB history by a team in its first six games.
Goldschmidt said that it was a good week for the team, but they know there’s probably still six months to go. He added that they have talked about doing the little things, playing the game and making those plays. According to Goldschmidt, it isn’t always about hitting a homer.
Schlittler was slowed this spring by a back and lat issue. This limited him to 68 pitches in his season debut against the Giants. He again showed no ill effects, touching 98.2 mph with his fastball.
Goldschmidt’s Contribution
With Giancarlo Stanton receiving a planned day off, Goldschmidt hit his sixth-inning homer off George Kirby, who allowed four runs in six frames. It was Goldschmidt’s first home run off a right-hander since June 6 of last season.
Goldschmidt said he loves the guys in this lineup and loves being a Yankee. He says he just has so much fun here. He added that it’s a great team that has a chance to win and he’s happy to do whatever they need him to do.
Goldschmidt loves to play, but if he’s not in there, he loves to root these guys on.
Run prevention has been the story for the Yankees early in the season.