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Griffey gets hit off Pedro, asks for ball
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) -- It will never be considered one of Ken Griffey Jr.'s most impressive or most important hits. The 11-time All-Star and former American League MVP will take it blooped a single behind second base in the first inning of Cincinnati's 11-1 loss to Boston on Saturday. It was thought to be his first hit off Pedro Martinez. Griffey, a career .296 hitter with 438 home runs and 1,270 RBIs, is 0-for-12 with five strikeouts during the regular season against Martinez, according to the Reds. Griffey tipped his hat to Martinez and asked for the ball. Martinez obliged by rolling it into the Reds dugout. "He's a funny guy and we always joke around a lot," Martinez said. "I guess he doesn't have any idea of how much respect I have for him. He's such a good hitter I have to be perfect pretty much to get him out."
Griffey also lined a sharp single to right in the third inning before leaving the game after the fourth. He was not available after the game. Even though Griffey's first hit wasn't very strong, Martinez was flattered he wanted the ball. "He's somebody who doesn't need a ball from anybody," Martinez said. "He's going to get his hits against anybody, and it's just a matter of time before he gets them." The ace pitcher and the feared slugger are now even in the baseball department. Martinez has one of Griffey's balls from the All-Star game three years ago.
"I got his in my trophy room," Martinez said, but added that he didn't think Griffey would keep his.
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