Former Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki - dubbed by some as the "Sultan of Slap" reached first base safely in his first at-bat in the first inning in today's contest between the Miami Marlins and the San Diego Padres. That base hit ties him with Pete Rose at 4,256 if you combine Ichiro's safeties recorded in both the Japanese (1,278) and North American major leagues.

Suzuki reached on a batted ball dribbled up the first-base line. San Diego backstop Derek Norris tried to field and throw the ball in one motion, but the still-speedy Ichiro was too quick. Suzuki later scored on an RBI knock by Christian Yelich.

Fans and players from both squads applauded the accomplishment. Suzuki is now a mere 22 hits away from the elite 3,000 hits club in which he would be just the 30th member.

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