Win or Lose, Ichiro Keep Spoiling Seattle With 200-Hit Campaigns

by John Hickey

Filed under: Mariners, MLB Milestones

Finally unburdened of the expectations of yet another 200-hit season, Ichiro was able to smile after Thursday's game in Toronto where he had a double and a single to become the first player in major league history to record 200 hits in 10 consecutive seasons.

Of course, he would have been able to wear a bigger smile if his 200th hit hadn't come in yet another Seattle loss. And he would have been able to smile more if No. 200 hadn't come in a game hard-luck pitcher Felix Hernandez hadn't lost 1-0.

But, sad to say, Hernandez is used to it -- four times the Mariners have been shut out in his starts and in 15 times his club has scored two runs or less when he's started.

So Hernandez wore a big smile when he walked across the visitor's clubhouse in Rogers Centre Thursday, extended his hand and offered a hearty "Congratulations."

 

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