Suzuki sets mark with 9th straight 200-hit season

[September 14, 2009]  ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) -- Ichiro Suzuki has become the first player in major league history with at least 200 hits in nine straight seasons.

The Seattle Mariners' right fielder set the mark with an infield single in the second inning of the nightcap of doubleheader against the Texas Rangers. In his second at-bat of the game, Suzuki beat out a slow roller to shortstop Elvis Andrus to break a tie with Willie Keeler, who did it for eight consecutive seasons (1894-1901).

Suzuki received a standing ovation from the sparse crowd, stepping off first base and doffing his batting helmet to thank the fans.

In the first game, Suzuki went 1 for 4 with an RBI double into the left-field corner in the third to come within one of the record.

[Associated Press]

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