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Ichiro lifts batting average to .349

MINNEAPOLIS, United States - Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki hits a single to center against the Minnesota Twins at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on Aug. 22. Ichiro went 2-for-3 to lift his average to .349 but the Mariners' five-game winning streak came to an end after an 8-4 loss to the Twins. (MLB)

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Japanese pitcher Kaneko acclaimed by MLB people

TOKYO, Japan - Orix Buffaloes ace Chihiro Kaneko throws a pitch at Kyocera Dome in Osaka, western Japan, on Nov. 14, 2014, in the second in a series of games between Japanese and U.S. professional baseball players. Kaneko, a candidate to move to Major League Baseball via the posting system, pitched five effective innings to lead Samurai Japan to an 8-4 win over the MLB All-Sar team, gaining praise from within the MLB camp.

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Japan batters major leaguers to lead series 2-0

TOKYO, Japan - Members of Samurai Japan celebrate after winning 8-4 in Game 2 of the Japan-Major League All-Star Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 14, 2014.

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Japan batters major leaguers to lead series 2-0

TOKYO, Japan - Softbank Hawks Nobuhiro Matsuda hits a single homer in the eighth inning of Game 2 of the Japan-Major League All-Star Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 14, 2014. Samurai Japan won 8-4 to lead 2-0 in the five-game series.

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Japan batters major leaguers to lead series 2-0

TOKYO, Japan - Colorado Rockies' Justin Morneau hits a two-run homer in the second inning of Game 2 of the Japan-Major League All-Star Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 14, 2014. Samurai Japan won 8-4 to lead 2-0 in the five-game series.

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Japan batters major leaguers to lead series 2-0

TOKYO, Japan - Colorado Rockies' Justin Morneau hits a two-run homer in the second inning of Game 2 of the Japan-Major League All-Star Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 14, 2014. Samurai Japan won 8-4 to lead 2-0 in the five-game series.

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Gomez's 2-run seals Tigers win over Giants into Japan Series

TOKYO, Japan - Mauro Gomez hits a bases-loaded, two-run single to left in the seventh, contributing to the Hanshin Tigers' 8-4 win over the Yomiuri Giants in the Central League's Climax Series' final stage at Tokyo Dome on Oct. 18, 2014.

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N.Y. Yankee Ichiro hit by ball

DETROIT, United States - New York Yankees outfielder Ichiro Suzuki gets hit on the back by the ball as he runs to first base in Detroit, Michigan, on Aug. 27, 2014, in the ninth inning of a game against Detroit Tigers. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Japan curling players think strategy against Sweden in Sochi

SOCHI, Russia - Japanese players (from L) Michiko Tomabechi, Ayumi Ogasawara, Yumie Funayama and Chinami Yoshida take a timeout to decide on their strategy in the ninth end of a round-robin game against Sweden in women's curling at the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia on Feb. 17, 2014. Sweden defeated Japan 8-4.

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Japan's Ogasawara shouts out instructions in curling event

SOCHI, Russia - Japan skip Ayumi Ogasawara shouts out instructions after delivering a stone in the eighth end of a round-robin game against Sweden in women's curling at the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia on Feb. 17, 2014. Sweden defeated Japan 8-4.

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Japan players leave ice after curling loss to Sweden in Sochi

SOCHI, Russia - Japanese players Ayumi Ogasawara (fore L), Yumie Funayama (fore R) and Chinami Yoshida (fore C) leave the ice after losing 8-4 to Sweden in a round-robin game in women's curling at the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia on Feb. 17, 2014. With the loss, Japan failed to advance to the semifinals.

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Japan's Funayama delivers stone in curling vs. Sweden

SOCHI, Russia - Japan vice-skip Yumie Funayama (R) delivers a stone in the eighth end of a round-robin game against Sweden in women's curling at the Sochi Winter Olympics in Russia on Feb. 17, 2014. Sweden defeated Japan 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's skip Ayumi Ogasawara (R) and teammate Yumie Funayama hold up their fists in triumph after scoring their second win in the women's curling event at the Sochi Winter Olympics in a round-robin game against host Russia on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's skip Ayumi Ogasawara (R) and teammate Yumie Funayama express their delight after scoring their second win in the women's curling event at the Sochi Winter Olympics in a round-robin game against host Russia on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's skip Ayumi Ogasawara celebrates after her team scored its second win in the women's curling event at the Sochi Winter Olympics in a round-robin game against host Russia on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's skip Ayumi Ogasawara reacts with joy after her team scored its second win in the women's curling event at the Sochi Winter Olympics in a round-robin game against host Russia on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's Michiko Tomabechi (C) delivers the stone to her sweepers Yumie Funayama (L) and Chinami Yoshida (R) during the fifth end in their women's curling round-robin game against host Russia at the Sochi Winter Olympics on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Japan beats Russia for 2nd win in women's curling round robin

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's Yumie Funayama (C) delivers the stone to her sweepers Michiko Tomabechi (L) and Chinami Yoshida (R) during the third end in their women's curling round-robin game against host Russia in the Sochi Winter Olympics on Feb. 12, 2014. Japan won 8-4.

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Ichiro 1 hit away from career 4,000

NEW YORK, United States - The New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki doubles in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 20, 2013. Suzuki went 2-for-5 in the team's 8-4 victory to move within one of a career 4,000 hits.

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Ichiro 1 hit away from career 4,000

NEW YORK, United States - The New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki doubles in the third inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 20, 2013. Suzuki went 2-for-5 in the team's 8-4 victory to move within one of a career 4,000 hits.

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Ichiro 1 hit away from career 4,000

NEW YORK, United States - The New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki stands at the batter's box in the eighth inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 20, 2013, amid chants of "Ichi-ro!" after he moved within one of a career 4,000 hits. Suzuki went 2-for-5 in the team's 8-4 victory.

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Ichiro 1 hit away from career 4,000

NEW YORK, United States - The New York Yankees' Ichiro Suzuki stands at the batter's box in the eighth inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium in New York on Aug. 20, 2013, amid chants of "Ichi-ro!" after he moved within one of a career 4,000 hits. Suzuki went 2-for-5 in the team's 8-4 victory.

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Jeter returns for Yankees

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter hits an infield single to third during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in New York on July 11, 2013. Jeter returned to the majors the same day having recovered from the ankle break he suffered during the playoffs in October 2012. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Jeter returns for Yankees

NEW YORK, United States - New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter hits an infield single to third during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in New York on July 11, 2013. Jeter returned to the majors the same day having recovered from the ankle break he suffered during the playoffs in October 2012. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Jeter returns for Yankees

NEW YORK, United States - Fans celebrate after New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter hit an infield single to third during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium in New York on July 11, 2013. Jeter returned to the majors the same day having recovered from the ankle break he suffered during the playoffs in October 2012. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Brewers' Aoki against Rockies

MILWAUKEE, United States - Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Norichika Aoki hits a single to right during the ninth inning of a game against the Colorado Rockies at Miller Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on April 2, 2013. Aoki went 2-for-5 in an 8-4 home defeat to the Rockies.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki hits a double during the seventh inning of a game against the Miami Marlins, which tied the game 4-4, at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki belts a two-run homer during the second inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Aoki sparks Brewers with 1st 3-RBI game

MIAMI, United States - Milwaukee Brewers leadoff man Norichika Aoki belts a two-run homer during the second inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2012. Aoki went 2-for-5 with his first three-RBI day as a major leaguer as the Brewers beat the Marlins 8-4.

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Darvish flirts with no-hitter, gets 14th win

KANSAS CITY, United States - Texas Rangers right-hander Yu Darvish reacts after issuing a two-out walk to Johnny Giavotella of the Kansas City Royals on a close full-count pitch in the sixth inning of a game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, on Sept. 3, 2012, having flirted with a no-hitter. Darvish allowed three runs on three hits and struck out six over seven innings to notch up his 14th win of the season as the Rangers won 8-4.

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Athletics' Matsui

OAKLAND, United States - Oakland Athletics designated hitter Hideki Matsui is congratulated by teammates after hitting a solo home run, his sixth of the season and career 499th between Japan and the United States, in the third inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on June 16, 2011. The A's won 8-4.

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Athletics' Matsui

OAKLAND, United States - Oakland Athletics designated hitter Hideki Matsui blasts a solo homer, his sixth of the season and career 499th between Japan and the United States, in the third inning of a game against the Kansas City Royals at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, California, on June 16, 2011. The A's won 8-4.

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Saito lives up to billing in pro debut

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yuki Saito pitches during a game against the Lotte Marines at Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on April 17, 2011. Saito walked away a winner in his pro baseball debut after an 8-4 victory.

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Saito lives up to billing in pro debut

SAPPORO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters right-hander Yuki Saito pitches during a game against the Lotte Marines at Sapporo Dome in Sapporo on April 17, 2011. Saito walked away a winner in his pro baseball debut after an 8-4 victory.

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'Knuckle Princess' starts 2nd game

CHICO, United States - Eri Yoshida, a knuckleball pitcher from Japan with the U.S. independent league club Chico Outlaws, speaks to reporters in Chico, California, on June 12, 2010. She contributed to the team's victory over the Yuma Scorpions 8-4 as the starter, giving up two runs and four hits in four innings.

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Ichiro 2-for-4 against Athletics

OAKLAND, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners runs to first after hitting a single to second in the third inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland on May 17, 2010. Ichiro had two singles in four at-bats in the Seattle Mariners' 8-4 loss to the Athletics.

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Ichiro 2-for-4 against Athletics

OAKLAND, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners fields in the rain in the third inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland on May 17, 2010. Ichiro had two singles in four at-bats in the Seattle Mariners' 8-4 loss to the Athletics.

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Ichiro 2-for-4 against Athletics

OAKLAND, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners watches a game in the dugout beside Mariners manager Don Wakamatsu (R) in the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland on May 17, 2010. Ichiro had two singles in four at-bats in the Seattle Mariners' 8-4 loss to the Athletics.

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Ichiro 2-for-4 against Athletics

OAKLAND, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners singles to left in the eighth inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland on May 17, 2010. Ichiro had two singles in four at-bats in the Seattle Mariners' 8-4 loss to the Athletics.

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Ichiro 2-for-4 against Athletics

OAKLAND, United States - Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners flies to center in the first inning of a game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Coliseum in Oakland on May 17, 2010. Ichiro had two singles in four at-bats in the Seattle Mariners' 8-4 loss to the Athletics.

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Fighters even Japan Series

TOKYO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters center fielder Hichori Morimoto lays down a squeeze bunt in the seventh inning of Game 4 of the baseball Japan Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 4, 2009. The Fighters won 8-4 to even the series.

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Fighters even Japan Series

TOKYO, Japan - Yomiuri Giants' Michihiro Ogasawara (R) fails to extend his single to right to double in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the baseball Japan Series at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 4, 2009. The Fighters won 8-4 to even the series.

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Fighters even Japan Series

TOKYO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters starter Tomoya Yagi reacts during Game 4 of the baseball Japan Series against the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 4, 2009. Yagi only gave up one run in five innings leading his team to an 8-4 victory over the Giants.

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Fighters even Japan Series

TOKYO, Japan - Nippon Ham Fighters catcher Shinji Takahashi follows through after blasting a homer in the fifth inning of Game 4 of the baseball Japan Series against the Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on Nov. 4, 2009. The Fighters won 8-4 to even the series.

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Mariners' Suzuki misses game again

SEATTLE, United States - Seattle Mariners regular Ichiro Suzuki takes part in batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field in Seattle Aug. 29, 2009, but he did not play in the game. The Mariners beat the Royals 8-4.

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Mariners' Suzuki misses game again

SEATTLE, United States - Seattle Mariners regular Ichiro Suzuki takes part in fielding practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field in Seattle Aug. 29, 2009, but he did not play in the game. The Mariners beat the Royals 8-4.

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Yankees' Matsui, Rodriguez

BOSTON, United States - New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui (55) congratulates his teammate Alex Rodriguez (L) on belting a two-run homer in the fifth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 23. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Yankees' Matsui blasts 2 homers

BOSTON, United States - New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui follows through after hitting a homer in the eighth inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 23. The Yankees won 8-4.

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Yankees' Matsui blasts 2 homers

BOSTON, United States - New York Yankees designated hitter Hideki Matsui hits a homer in the second inning of a game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park in Boston on Aug. 23. The Yankees won 8-4.

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H. Matsui marks RBI single against Blue Jays

TORONTO, Canada - New York Yankees pinch hitter Hideki Matsui slams a RBI single to left in the seventh inning of a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on Aug. 5. The Yankees won 8-4.