SEATTLE — Ichiro Suzuki is hoping to reach at least one of his goals during the Seattle Mariners' lost season.
Ichiro and Raul Ibanez had four hits apiece to help Seattle beat the Texas Rangers 8-7 on Wednesday, handing the AL West title to the Los Angeles Angels.
Ibanez also had three RBIs and Ichiro moved within 10 of an eighth straight season with at least 200 hits. That would tie Wee Willie Keeler for the most 200-hit seasons to start a career.
"It's always been a clear goal for me," Ichiro said. "So there is not a reason that I wouldn't be motivated."
The second-place Rangers' loss coupled with the Angels' 4-2 win over the New York Yankees clinched the division for Los Angeles, which became the first team in the majors to wrap up a spot in the postseason.
Ichiro got the Mariners off to a fast start. He led off the first with an infield single, stole second on the next pitch and raced to third when catcher Teagarden's throw went into center field.
Kenji Johjima went 1-for-4 with two RBIs in the win for Seattle.
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