Vizquel passes Aparicio, becomes all-time Venezuelan hits leader

PHOENIX -- Texas Rangers shortstop Omar Vizquel singled in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks for his 2,678th career hit, the most ever by a native of Venezuela.

The 42-year-old Vizquel moved ahead of Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio, who played in 107 fewer games.

•  Rangers 9, Diamondbacks 8 (12)

Vizquel, an 11-time Gold Glover, is a utilityman for the Rangers. Batting second Thursday night, Vizquel lined a pitch from Arizona's Jon Garland to right field to break out of a 1-for-11 slump.

His Rangers teammates stood on the top step of the dugout and applauded Vizquel, who flashed a thumbs-up sign.