SEATTLE (AP) — Yariel Rodríguez allowed one hit over six shutout innings for his first victory, Alejandro Kirk had three hits and drove in two runs and the Toronto Blue Jays held off the Seattle Mariners 5-4 on Saturday.
Rodríguez (1-3) had arguably the best start of his brief major league career and followed up on a terrific outing his last time out against Houston. Rodríguez went 6 2/3 innings allowing one run to the Astros earlier this week, then was even better against another AL West opponent.
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Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
A fan holds up the bat Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lost on a swing during the fifth inning in a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits an RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer reacts after scoring against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer dives into second for a double against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer scores before the tag from Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk hits an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yariel Rodríguez throws against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
“It means a lot to me. A lot of sacrifices for us to be here in the big leagues," Rodríguez said through an interpreter. "Getting that first win is unbelievable feelings. Grateful for the organization, today for my teammates, great defense behind me. It's unbelievable.”
The bigger worry for the Mariners was Julio Rodríguez after he was removed from the game following the first inning due to discomfort in his right quadriceps, manager Scott Servais said. Rodríguez felt the discomfort while warming up before the game and appeared to be moving cautiously in the outfield leading to the decision to pull him.
Servais said Rodríguez was expected to undergo an MRI.
“I'm hoping it's nothing too serious,” Servais said.
Seattle tried to rally late, pulling to 5-3 on Mitch Haniger’s three-run homer off Trevor Richards in the eighth inning, and Luke Raley hit a solo homer off Chad Green with one out in the ninth. Green recovered to strike out Mitch Garver and Dominic Canzone for his fourth save.
Yariel Rodríguez didn’t allow a hit until Luke Raley dumped a single into left field leading off the fifth inning. It wasn’t the most efficient performance by Rodríguez as he walked a pair and had a number of three-ball counts. But he struck out six and Seattle couldn’t string together any type of rally.
The Mariners struck out 11 times and have double-figures strikeouts in 11 straight games.
“That's frustrating. It's really hard to win consistently or put consistent offense together when you're not putting the ball in play enough," Servais said.
Rodríguez also received help in the field from Daulton Varsho, who made a diving catch of Ty France’s liner and was able to double off Josh Rojas at second base. Varsho had a big catch crashing into the wall in Friday's series opener that saved a couple of runs.
“That's a huge momentum swing in the game there. You don't see many double plays that way,” Toronto manager John Schneider said.
Kirk had his first three-hit game since April 28 and just his second multi-hit game since June 1. He sandwiched a pair of singles around an RBI double the scored Varsho with two outs in the fourth and gave Toronto a 1-0 lead.
“I think he's just swinging with a little bit more intent," Schneider said about Kirk. "Everyone knows he can control the zone but I think just swinging with a little more intent is kind of the deal."
Kirk extended the lead to 3-0 in the seventh with a bases loaded sacrifice fly. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also drove in a pair with an RBI single and added a sacrifice fly in the eighth.
Seattle’s (3-4) Emerson Hancock was recalled from Triple-A Tacoma and made his ninth start of the season. Toronto made him work as Hancock threw 93 pitches and allowed six hits in four-plus innings.
ROSTER MOVES
Toronto reinstated Justin Turner from the paternity list. Addison Barger was optioned to Triple-A Buffalo. Seattle cleared a roster spot for Hancock by designating for assignment backup catcher Seby Zavala.
UP NEXT
Blue Jays: RHP José Berríos (8-6, 3.63) threw 6 2/3 shutout innings earlier this season in a start against Seattle. Berríos is 4-2 in eight career starts against the Mariners.
Mariners: RHP George Kirby (7-6, 3.32) is 3-1 with a 1.93 ERA over his last six starts. But he was rocked for five runs in four innings by Toronto earlier this season.
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock throws to a Toronto Blue Jays batter during the first inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
A fan holds up the bat Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. lost on a swing during the fifth inning in a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits an RBI single against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer reacts after scoring against the Seattle Mariners during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer dives into second for a double against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer scores before the tag from Seattle Mariners catcher Mitch Garver during the fifth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays' Alejandro Kirk hits an RBI double against the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Yariel Rodríguez throws against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning in a baseball game, Saturday, July 6, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s Constitutional Court removed impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol from office on Friday, ending his tumultuous presidency and setting up an election to find a new leader, four months after he threw South Korean politics into turmoil with an ill-fated declaration of martial law.
The unanimous verdict capped a dramatic fall for Yoon, a former star prosecutor who went from political novice to president in 2022, just a year after he entered politics.
In a nationally televised verdict, the court’s acting chief Moon Hyung-bae said the eight-member bench upheld Yoon’s impeachment because his martial law decree seriously violated the constitution and other laws.
“The defendant not only declared martial law, but also violated the constitution and laws by mobilizing military and police forces to obstruct the exercise of legislative authority,” Moon said, “Ultimately, the declaration of martial law in this case violated the substantive requirements for emergency martial law.”
“Given the grave negative impact on constitutional order and the significant ripple effects of the defendant’s violations, we find that the benefits of upholding the constitution by removing the defendant from office far outweigh the national losses from the removal of a president,” the justice concluded.
At an anti-Yoon rally near the old royal palace that dominates downtown Seoul, people erupted into tears and danced when the verdict was announced. Two women wept as they hugged and an old man near them leapt to his feet and screamed with joy.
The crowd later began marching through Seoul streets. Some people were dressed in cute blue bear costumes, a protest mascot that uses the opposition’s colors.
Outside Yoon's official residence, thousands of supporters cried and screamed when they saw the news of the verdict on a giant TV screen. They waved South Korean and U.S. flags and chanted slogans.
“We will absolutely not be shaken!” a protest leader shouted on stage. “Anyone who accepts this ruling and prepares for an early presidential election is our enemy.”
No major violence was immediately reported.
An election will be held within two months to replace Yoon, but a festering national divide over Yoon’s impeachment will likely continue and could complicate South Korea’s efforts to deal with President Donald Trump’s “America First” policies and North Korea’s expanding ties with Russia, observers say.
Yoon said in a statement issued via his defense team that he feels great regret for failing to live up public expectations.
He added that he will pray for the country and its people. “It has been a great honor to be able to work for the Republic of Korea,” Yoon said.
Yoon’s ruling People Power Party said it would accept the decision, but one of Yoon’s lawyers, Yoon Kap-keun, called the ruling “completely incomprehensible” and a “pure political decision."
Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the country’s acting leader, vowed in a televised speech to ensure “there are no gaps in national security and diplomacy” and maintain public safety and order. Han was appointed prime minister, the country's No.2 official, by Yoon.
“Respecting the will of our sovereign people, I will do my utmost to manage the next presidential election in accordance with the constitution and the law, ensuring a smooth transition to the next administration,” Han said.
Surveys show Lee Jae-myung, leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, is the early favorite to win the by-election to choose Yoon's successor. Lee is facing trials for corruption and other charges.
Lee welcomed the ruling and credited the South Korean people for “protecting our democratic republic.”
“The courage of the people who stood in the face of guns, swords and tanks, along with the bravery of troops who refused to obey unjust orders, has led to this great revolution of light,” Lee said.
Martial law lasted only six hours, but left behind a political crisis, rattling financial markets and unsettling the country’s diplomatic partners. In January, Yoon was separately arrested and indicted by prosecutors on alleged rebellion in connection with his decree, a charge that carries the death penalty or a life sentence if convicted.
Under Yoon’s decree, the first of its kind in more than 40 years, hundreds of soldiers were dispatched to the assembly, election offices and other sites. Special operations soldiers smashed windows at the National Assembly and scuffled with citizens gathered to protest, shocking South Koreans and evoking traumatic memories of military rule.
Enough lawmakers, including some from the ruling party, managed to enter the assembly to vote down his decree unanimously.
No major violence occurred during the brief period of martial law, but some senior military and police officers sent to the assembly have testified that Yoon ordered them to drag out lawmakers to block a vote on his decree or to detain his political rivals. Yoon says the troops were deployed to the assembly simply to maintain order.
Yoon, 64, a conservative, was impeached by the liberal opposition-controlled National Assembly on Dec. 14. The assembly accused him of violating the constitution and other laws by suppressing assembly activities, attempting to detain politicians, and undermining peace across the country.
In his final testimony at the Constitutional Court hearing, Yoon said his decree was a desperate attempt to draw public support of his fight against the “wickedness” of the Democratic Party, which had obstructed his agenda, impeached top officials and slashed the government’s budget bill. He earlier called the National Assembly “a den of criminals” and “anti-state forces.”
Some experts say Yoon may have imposed military rule to head off a possible independent investigation into scandals involving his wife, Kim Keon Hee.
Without presidential immunity, Yoon could face other criminal charges, such as abuse of power. He’s the first South Korean president to be arrested or indicted while in office.
Yoon served as prosecutor-general under his predecessor, liberal President Moon Jae-in, before joining the now-ruling party in 2021 following disputes with Moon allies. A public image as strong-minded and uncompromising helped him defeat Lee in the close-fought 2022 presidential election. But after becoming president, Yoon has faced criticism that he refused to replace officials implicated in scandals and vetoed many bills passed by the assembly.
On foreign policy, Yoon pushed hard to bolster South Korea’s military alliance with the United States and overcome long-running disputes with Japan over historical traumas. He said that a greater Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security partnership is essential to coping with North Korea’s growing nuclear threats. Critics of Yoon accused him of unnecessarily provoking North Korea and neglecting relations with China, South Korea’s biggest trading partner.
Jo Eun-jin, who stayed overnight on the street, waits for the start of a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Moon Hyung-bae, center, acting chief justice of South Korea's Constitutional Court, speaks during the final ruling of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment at the Constitutional Court on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Kim Min-Hee, Japan Pool/Kyodo News via AP)
Moon Hyung-bae, center, acting chief justice of South Korea's Constitutional Court, speaks during the final ruling of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment at the Constitutional Court on Friday, April 4, 2025 in Seoul, South Korea. (Kim Min-Hee, Japan Pool/Kyodo News via AP)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol react after hearing the Constitutional Court's verdict removing him from office during a rally in his support near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose his impeachment near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol react after hearing the Constitutional Court's verdict removing him from office during a rally in his support near the presidential residence in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
A man wearing a mask of President Yoon Suk Yeol celebrates along with others after Yoon was removed from office, near royal palace in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Foster Klug)
People celebrate the news of President Yoon Suk Yeol's removal from office, near royal palace in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Foster Klug)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People celebrate the news of President Yoon Suk Yeol'S removal from office, near royal palace in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Foster Klug)
People celebrate the news of President Yoon Suk Yeol being removed from office, near royal palace in downtown Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Foster Klug)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People react after hearing the news that President Yoon Suk Yeol was removed from office, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People hold up signs during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
People shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Protesters shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Protesters shout slogans during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a rally to oppose his impeachment in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Dismiss impeachment." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Demonstrators who stayed overnight near the Constitutional Court, wait for the start of a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down, in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Jo Eun-jin, who stayed overnight on the street, waits for the start of a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down, near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Friday, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man)
Police officers move as protesters prepare to march toward the Constitutional Court during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Police officers stand guard as protesters prepare to march toward the Constitutional Court during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the 14th-century Gyeongbok Palace, in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Police officers pass by the main gate of the Constitutional Court which is blocked by police fences and buses as part of precaution for an eventuality in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Police officers stand guard near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose his impeachment near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate return." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol stage a rally to oppose his impeachment near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate return." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Protesters march toward the Constitutional Court during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate dismissal." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Supporters of impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol attend a rally to oppose his impeachment near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Protesters stage a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down near the Constitutional Court in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Yoon Suk Yeol's immediate dismissal." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Members of the Federation of Korean Trade Unions hold up cards during a rally calling for impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to step down in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, April 3, 2025. The letters read "Step down." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
