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While you were sleeping: Mariners win season opener, 3-1, in Tokyo

Published 6:23 am Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Flags of the United States and Japan are carried during the opening ceremony of the American League season opening MLB baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo this morning Pacific time. The Associated Press
Flags of the United States and Japan are carried during the opening ceremony of the American League season opening MLB baseball game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo this morning Pacific time. The Associated Press

TOKYO — Dustin Ackley drove in the go-ahead run in the top of the 11th inning and Ichiro went 4 for 5 as the Seattle Mariners beat the Oakland Athletics 3-1 today in baseball’s season-opener in Tokyo.

Brendan Ryan doubled to lead off the 11th, advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Chone Figgins and scored on Ackley’s single to center.

Ichiro then gave Seattle an insurance run with a single to center off Oakland reliever Jerry Blevins that scored Ackley from second.

The capacity crowd of 44,227 at Tokyo Dome was a sea of flashbulbs every time Ichiro came to bat. He got a standing ovation when he took his position in right field in the final inning.

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