Pierzynski, Garciaparra grab final spots for All-Star Game

CHICAGO -- A.J. Pierzynski got his ticket punched to Pittsburgh.

A magnet for mayhem, the White Sox catcher beat out Minnesota rookie pitcher Francisco Liriano for the final American League All-Star spot in Internet voting Thursday. National League batting leader Nomar Garciaparra breezed to the last NL slot in the fan balloting.

Final totals were not announced. Pierzynski got about 3.6 million votes to hold off a late push by Liriano.

The World Series champion White Sox will send seven players to Tuesday night's game at PNC Park. Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen will guide the AL team in Pittsburgh.

Pierzynski made it after the White Sox launched a "Punch A.J." campaign this week, printing T-shirts with the catchphrase and a check mark. Team owner Jerry Reinsdorf wore one as he strolled around the batting cage earlier this week.

Pierzynski was punched this year by Cubs catcher Michael Barrett after a collision at the plate, setting off a brawl.

Pierzynski is hitting .326 with five home runs and 28 RBIs.

Garciaparra leads the NL in hitting at .359, with 10 home runs and 49 RBIs for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

* All-Star ace Pedro Martinez was placed on the disabled list by the New York Mets on Thursday due to pain in his right hip.