Former Mariner Beltre doubles for 3,000th hit, 31st player in the club

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FILE - At left, in a Sept. 22, 2001, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers' Adrian Beltre follows through after hitting a single to win the game in the 11th inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, in Los Angeles. At right, in a July 27, 2007, file photo, Seattle Mariners' Adrian Beltre hits a three-run double against the Oakland Athletics, in Seattle. The five-time Gold Glove third baseman for the Rangers, now in his 20th MLB season, is on the 31st player with 3,000 career hits.(AP Photo/File) Photo: Associated Press

STEPHEN HAWKINS, AP Sports Writer

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Adrian Beltre has gotten his 3,000th career hit, becoming the first player from the Dominican Republic to reach the milestone and 31st major leaguer overall.

The 38-year-old Texas Rangers third baseman made history with his double down the left-field line on a 3-0 pitch in the fourth inning Sunday against Baltimore lefty Wade Miley. Beltre struck out swinging in his first at-bat of the game.

Beltre is in his 20th big league season. He hit the mark only minutes after former Rangers catcher Ivan Rodriguez finished his induction speech at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Barring unusual circumstances, getting 3,000 hits has traditionally been a ticket to the Hall.

The only other current active player in the 3,000-hit club is Miami Marlins outfielder Ichiro Suzuki, who began the day tied with Hall of Fame player Craig Biggio for 22nd all-time at 3,060.

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