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9.28.2009

ichiro ejected for first time in his career

Another minor first for Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki... but this time, it's not really one for the record books. Ichiro was ejected from Saturday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays for arguing a called third strike in the fifth inning: Mariners' Suzuki ejected for 1st time in career.

It's not only the first ejection of the season for the Mariners, it's the first of Suzuki's entire professional career, including his years playing in Japan.

Ichiro used his bat to draw a line on the outer edge of the plate, indicating that David Purcey's strike three pitch was outside. Home plate umpire Brian Runge immediately ejected Suzuki, who argued briefly before being escorted off the field by manager Don Wakamatsu.

Suzuki went 0-3, dropping his average to .353. He's second to Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer in the American League batting race. More here (with video of the line draw that got Ichiro the boot): Ichiro ejected for first time in career