Opponent: Detroit Tigers
When: 10:05 a.m.
Where: Comerica Park in Detroit
TV: FSN (cable)
Radio: KOMO (1000 AM)
Probable starters: Seattle right-hander Gil Meche (3-5, 5.63 earned run average) vs. left-hander Mike Maroth (10-7, 4.39)
In search of Sisler
As Ichiro Suzuki’s chase of the major league single-season hits record heats up, he continues to astound his peers.
The Detroit Tigers, for instance, wonder why he doesn’t already hold the record – Ichiro’s career average in Comerica Park was .421 coming into the game Saturday. And then he tripled in his first at-bat.
That gave Ichiro 194 hits this season, and Tigers manager Alan Trammell was as appreciative as anyone.
“There’s no one in the league like Ichiro, probably no one in the game,” he said. “Speed is weapon for a lot of players on the bases, but him it’s a weapon at the plate.
“If you’re an infielder, you’re aware of how fast he is, and it makes you try to make a play a little quicker. That’s an edge for him.”
Trammell was asked about how Ichiro seems to be moving toward first base even before swinging the bat.
“Most players who move up during their at-bat have trouble because their hands come with them as they move,” Trammell said. “You watch Ichiro, his body may be coming forward, but his hands are still back – he’s in the cocked position.”
Carlos Guillen, who was Ichiro’s teammate in Seattle for three seasons, said nothing has changed in the Mariners’ leadoff hitter.
“He got three hits (Friday) and most guys don’t get a hit on any of those balls,” Guillen said. “You don’t see hitters getting three infield hits a night. He does that sometimes, and then he starts hitting line drives.”
Guillen appreciated Ichiro’s hitting so much that, before the game Saturday, he sought Ichiro out for a discussion on swing and balance.
Can Ichiro match George Sisler’s record of 257 hits in a season?
“Why not?” asked Guillen.
Buhner Night will be televised: For those not attending the Mariners’ game Tuesday, when Jay Buhner will be inducted into the team hall of fame in pregame ceremonies, get out the VCR. Channel 11 (KSTW) will broadcast the game that night, as well as the Buhner ceremonies, which are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at Safeco Field.
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