Ichiro Suzuki ties Ty Cobb’s all-time hit total … sort of

Ichiro Suzuki singled in the first inning Saturday night for his 4,192nd career hit in the major leagues and Japan, passing Ty Cobb’s total that ranks second in major league history.

Suzuki, who arrived from Japan in 2001 with 1278 career hits when he joined the Seattle Mariners, is only 65 hits shy of equalling Rose, although the feat would not be recognised by Major League Baseball as a record should he pass Rose since the total was divided over two leagues on two continents.

“I really wasn’t expecting the reaction that I did get”, Suzuki said through interpreter Allen Turner. That ties him with Hall of Famer Ty Cobb.

Suzuki was signed to be a reserve outfielder for the Marlins. “I’m sure he’s going to reach more milestones down the road”.

Suzuki has been only a part-time player for Miami this season, the 41-year-old Asian star managing 69 hits over 109 games.

Jaime Garcia pitched shutout ball into the ninth and Matt Carpenter homered for the Cardinals. He held the Marlins to two runs and nine hits with six strikeouts and one walk in 81/3 innings, retiring nine batters in a row at one point.

The Marlins scored an unearned run when Gilliespie singled and right fielder Jason Heyward mishandled the ball for an error.

The Marlins (46-70) didn’t have many other highlights against the Cardinals (75-41), who gave their sellout crowd much more to cheer about while putting themselves in position to sweep the three-game series.

In 2004, arguably Ichiro’s best season, he hit.

“You’ve always got to anticipate he’s going to swing at 3-0”, Hand said. John Lackey recorded his 12th consecutive quality start – and added two hits offensively, including a run-scoring single – to lead the way.