Judge’s MLB-leading 15th homer powers Yankees past Mariners 3-2

SEATTLE (AP) — Aaron Judge hit a go-ahead home run in the eighth inning as the Yankees beat the Mariners 3-2 on Wednesday.

The Yankees trailed for most of the contest thanks to a couple strong plays from Seattle’s Julio Rodríguez. The Mariners’ center fielder robbed Trent Grisham of a leadoff home run and then drove in a pair of runs in the third inning.

Seattle starting pitcher Luis Castillo allowed one run on six hits over six innings. But the Yankees evened the score at two apiece in the seventh inning when Paul Goldschmidt delivered a pinch-hit, game-tying home run.

The stage was then set for Judge in the following inning, and MLB’s batting average and home run leader delivered. Judge got a slider from Carlos Vargas (1-3) and pounced.

Reliever Ian Hamilton (1-0) notched his first victory of the year and closer Luke Weaver earned his fourth save of the season.

The Mariners had a chance to draw back even in the bottom of the eighth after Judge's solo shot. Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena were aboard for Dylan Moore with one out. But Moore feebly hit the first pitch he saw from reliever Fernando Cruz for a double play, which ended the Mariners’ last real offensive threat.

Judge has reached base multiple times in 33 of the Yankees’ 43 games this season, leading all MLB hitters.

Both the Yankees and Mariners are off Thursday. Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (4-3, 3.29 ERA) starts Friday against the Mets. Mariners right-hander Logan Evans (1-1, 6.60) gets the ball Friday to begin a three-game set against the San Diego Padres.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB

Seattle Mariners' Randy Arozarena steals second base as New York Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe is unable to hold on to a throw during the fourth inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Seattle Mariners' Randy Arozarena is hit by a pitch during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

New York Yankees' Paul Goldschmidt rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

New York Yankees centerfielder Trent Grisham chases down a ball hit off the outfield wall during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the New York Yankees, Tuesday, May 13, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a solo home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners, Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II announced Monday he is suspending his campaign for governor and instead joining the race for secretary of state of the battleground state.

Gilchrist, a progressive Democrat from Detroit, did not cite a specific reason for the change in his video announcement, but said he is not finished being a “public servant.” His departure clears up the Democratic primary and benefits the frontrunner, Jocelyn Benson, who is the current Secretary of State, in the race to replace term-limited Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

The secretary of state is Michigan's top election official, a highly politicized and visible role since the 2020 presidential election.

“Michigan has been ground zero in the battle for free and fair elections before, and it will be again,” Gilchrist said.

As Whitmer’s second in command and her running mate in two elections, Gilchrist struggled to match Benson’s name recognition and fundraising. He reported having around $378,000 of cash on hand as of October compared to Benson’s $2.98 million.

Benson is now set to face only Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson in the Democratic primary in August.

The inclusion of a well-known independent candidate has created a new problem for Democrats this year. Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan is avoiding costly primaries altogether by running as an independent. The Michigan Democratic Party slammed the former Democrat last week for not standing up to President Donald Trump’s second term policies.

In the Republican primary, U.S. Rep. John James, former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, state Senate Leader Aaric Nesbitt and former Michigan House speaker Tom Leonard are jockeying for the nomination.

In his bid to become secretary of state, Gilchrist will face four other Democrats: Barb Byrum, Ingham County clerk; Aghogho Edevbie, deputy secretary of state; Suzanna Shkreli, a former Whitmer aide and commissioner of the Michigan State Lottery; and Adam Hollier, a former state senator from Detroit.

Michigan does not hold primary elections for the secretary of state position; the nominee is chosen by precinct delegates during party conventions. The Michigan Democratic Party convention is scheduled for April 19.

State Republicans plan to hold their nominating convention March 28 and GOP figures chasing the party's nomination for secretary of state include Anthony Forlini, Macomb County Clerk, and Monica Yatooma, an Oakland County executive.

In addition to the office of the governor and secretary of state, Michigan voters will be selecting a new state attorney general and a U.S. senator in November.

FILE - Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II waits before the State of the State address, Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the state Capitol in Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Al Goldis, file)