Alex Rodriguez becomes the ninth player, and the second shortstop, in major league history to hit 40 home runs in four consecutive seasons. The first shortstop to reach the plateau was Hall of Fame member Ernie Banks, who accomplished the feat from 1957 to 1960 for the Chicago Cubs.

Alex Rodriguez becomes the ninth player, and the second shortstop, in major league history to hit 40 home runs in four consecutive seasons. The first shortstop to reach the plateau was Hall of Fame member Ernie Banks, who accomplished the feat from 1957 to 1960 for the Chicago Cubs.

The Marlins defeat the Cubs, 4 – 3, despite Sammy Sosa’s 52nd home run. The blast gives Sosa a share of the National League record for home runs in August, tying the mark set by Willie Mays in 1965. He also ties Babe Ruth for the most homers in seven consecutive seasons: the Babe hit 343 between 1926 and 1932. Mark McGwire has hit 338 homers from 1995 through this year.

The Marlins defeat the Cubs, 4 – 3, despite Sammy Sosa’s 52nd home run. The blast gives Sosa a share of the National League record for home runs in August, tying the mark set by Willie Mays in 1965. He also ties Babe Ruth for the most homers in seven consecutive seasons: the Babe hit 343 between 1926 and 1932. Mark McGwire has hit 338 homers from 1995 through this year.

Seattle OF Ichiro Suzuki reaches 200 hits for the season as the Mariners fall to the Devil Rays, 6 – 0. By going 2 for 3, Suzuki becomes only the third American League rookie to reach 200 hits since 1964.

Seattle OF Ichiro Suzuki reaches 200 hits for the season as the Mariners fall to the Devil Rays, 6 – 0. By going 2 for 3, Suzuki becomes only the third American League rookie to reach 200 hits since 1964.