Yankees Win Second Consecutive Series Against Mariners

An historic starting pitching performance, plus timely veteran hitting, helped the Yankees win another series against the Mariners.

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

April 2, 2026

For the second straight series, the New York Yankees emerged victorious, this time taking two of three games against the Seattle Mariners. The Yankees are now an MLB-best 5-1 on the year, their best start since they opened 2024 at 5-0. These are the largest takeaways from the team’s series victory in the Pacific Northwest.

Starting Pitching Riding Historic Start

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Entering the 2026 season, the Yankees’ starting rotation was viewed as one of the team’s biggest weaknesses. Even after the group allowed one earned run against the San Francisco Giants, there was still more to prove. However, after another dominant series, it’s obvious that one of their largest weaknesses has turned into their clearest strength.

Despite missing Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, Yankee starting pitchers have allowed a combined two earned runs through six games. The group’s 0.53 ERA is the lowest through the first six games of a season in MLB history, with two of their four starters yet to allow an earned run.

Against the Mariners, Ryan Weathers, Max Fried, and Cam Schlittler combined to throw 17 2/3 innings of one-run baseball, with the latter two tossing back-to-back shutout starts in games two and three of the series. The trio also combined for 20 strikeouts, an impressive feat for a group pitching to stars Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh.

It’s unrealistic to expect Yankee starting pitchers to continue this success for a full season, but a rotation once full of question marks is now one with answers.

Judge Struggling to Find Rhythm

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Aaron Judge is no stranger to slow starts, and 2026 is a prime example of that for the reigning American League MVP. Through six games, Judge is batting .125 with 11 strikeouts and a lone walk. Against the Mariners, Judge recorded one hit in 11 at-bats while going hitless in the series’ final two games.

Despite those numbers, there should be little cause for concern. In 2024, Judge’s batting average sat at .207 by the end of May. Two years prior, he hit one home run in his first 13 games. In both seasons, he won AL MVP, proving even the best need time to find a groove.

Veteran Hitters Proving Their Worth

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The Yankees’ front office took a lot of heat this offseason for the number of veterans they held onto. However, against the Mariners, those same veterans made their mark.

After recording two hits in every game against the Giants, Giancarlo Stanton recorded multiple hits in every game he played against the Mariners. The former National League MVP is batting .500 on the season.

In addition, 38-year-old Paul Goldschmidt delivered the biggest swing of the series. In Wednesday’s rubber match, Goldschmidt came up to bat in the sixth inning with two runners on and two outs. He mashed a three-home run over the left field wall, giving the Yankees a 4-0 lead and the series victory.

Next Up

Following six straight road games, the Yankees will head to the Bronx for their home opener against the red-hot Miami Marlins on Friday. That contest will be the first of a three-game series, with Will Warren set to make his second start of the 2026 season. First pitch is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.