Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki matched Willie Keeler's major league record of eight straight 200-hit seasons yesterday, beating out on infield single for his third hit against Kansas City.

Seattle Mariners batter Ichiro Suzuki hits a single for his 200th hit this season in the eighth inning of their MLB baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Missouri yesterday.

Ichiro came into the game with 197 hits. After walking to lead off the game, he hit a double just inside the first base-bag in the third inning and had a single over third in the fifth. Ichiro matched Keeler in the eighth inning, hitting a ground ball up the middle and beating shortstop Mike Aviles' throw by a half-step.

The Japanese star received a standing ovation from the Kansas City crowd after reaching 200 hits in 151 games. He did it in 136 games a year ago.

Ichiro broke the American League record he shared with Wade Boggs (1983-89).

Keeler set the record from 1894-1901.

(Agencies via Shanghai Daily September 18, 2008)