Ichiro Suzuki went 2-for-3 for his second multihit game in three preseason appearances since returning from the World Baseball Classic, but the Seattle Mariners lost 20-8 to a split squad of the Oakland Athletics on Saturday.
Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners hits a double during a preseason game against the an Oakland Athletics' split squad in Arizona.
Suzuki singled to left, grounded into a double play, doubled to right-center and walked before being replaced by pinch-runner Jose Morban in the fifth inning.
"They are two completely different matters," Ichiro said when asked about his basic mental approaches to the WBC and the regular season in the major leagues with the Mariners.
However, he suggested that trying to give his best is one thing that is common when he takes to the field.
"I'm sure none of the Japanese members in the WBC thinks they are unable to give their best in the regular season because of the tournament. That's why Japan proved to be a strong team," he said.
In Japanese baseball, where all but two players of Japan's WBC-winning team play, the Pacific League started its regular season Saturday while the Central League opens its season next Friday.
Seattle rookie catcher Kenji Jojima reached on a fielder's choice, struck out looking and laid down a sacrifice bunt in his three plate appearances.
At St. Petersburg, Florida, Hideki Matsui was 1-for-3 in the New York Yankees' 10-1 rout of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Matsui singled to center, walked, flied out to left and struck out swinging.