Suzuki tops All-Star voting, one of four Mariners elected

NEW YORK (AP) -- Ichiro Suzuki piled up even bigger numbers at the polls than at the plate.

Suzuki, the major league leader in hits and stolen bases, added another highlight Monday: He became the first rookie to finish No. 1 in fan voting for starting spots in the All-Star game.

Boosted by Internet support worldwide and paper ballots cast in his homeland for the first time, the Japanese-born outfielder was among four Mariners picked to start next week at Safeco Field in Seattle.

"Of course, I was surprised. I did not expect or imagine that I would be the starter in the All-Star game," Suzuki said through an interpreter Monday night.

Hours later, Suzuki hit a tying, two-run homer with two outs in the ninth inning at Texas. It was his major league-leading 126th hit of the season.

The Mariners went on to win 9-7 in 10 innings and increased their record to 60-21, by far the best in baseball.

Seattle also will have first baseman John Olerud, second baseman Bret Boone and designated hitter Edgar Martinez in the AL lineup next Tuesday.

"I think a lot more guys deserve to be in there, like some of our pitchers," Martinez said. "They all deserve to be there, too. So many guys have done such a great job."

Cal Ripken, who will retire after this season, overtook Seattle's David Bell in the final week to earn his 17th start and 19th appearance. The Baltimore third baseman rallied from a 44,000-vote deficit to pass Bell and Anaheim's Troy Glaus and win by 45,000 votes.