Mariners star Ichiro finding form ahead of WBC

[February 26, 2009]  OSAKA, Japan (AP) -- Ichiro Suzuki is slowly getting into shape as Japan prepares to defend its title at the World Baseball Classic.

After going hitless in a pair of tuneup games against the Yomiuri Giants, the Seattle Mariners star beat out two infield grounders for base hits in Japan's 11-2 win over Australia in an exhibition game on Wednesday.

"I'm getting a good read on the ball but the rest of my body hasn't caught up yet," said Suzuki. "At this time of year you can only expect to be about 60 or 70 percent."

Japan is in Group A with South Korea, Taiwan and China. The top two teams advance to the second round of the 16-nation tournament, which will be played in the United States with the final on March 23 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Suzuki batted .364 for Japan in the 2006 tournament and inspired his teammates with displays of emotion rarely seen when he plays for Seattle, a team that has finished last in the American League West standings in four out of the previous five seasons.

A near-sellout crowd of 30,000 was on hand at Osaka Dome to watch Japan defeat Australia in both tuneup games.

Suzuki, one of five major leaguers on Japan's squad, has been batting in the No. 3 spot and will likely remain there for the duration of the WBC.

"There is a lot of potential," Suzuki said. "We're getting good pitching and good hitting. We gave up a couple of early runs (against Australia) and it's a good sign that we were able to come right back and take the lead."

Japan will begin its title defense on March 5 at Tokyo Dome.

[Associated Press; By JIM ARMSTRONG]

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