Philadelphia Phillies outclass Minnesota Twins 6-1 as Jim Thome hits three-run homer - MLB Update
Designated hitter Jim Thome shines again as he thrashes a three-run homer in the third and leads the Philadelphia Phillies to a 6-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 14, 2012 during their last game of the three
match series.
For a player who has ruled for years in baseball, ending his career on a low is extremely disappointing. Thome was heading to a same kind of reality, earlier in the season, until he was injured and put on the Disabled List.
On return however he has taken on a new shape altogether. Playing as a designated hitter, a role that he can perform only when Inter-league games are underway, he is showing flamboyance on the plate.
On Thursday, he spearheaded Phillies in handing them convincing lead, with a massive home run.
He is well on the way to conclude his career in a style.
Apart from him, first baseman Ty Wigginton also stood out, slamming a homer in the first.
Defensive errors Philadelphia have committed in the season see Wigginton as the main culprit. In this respect, he owes splendours to the club and Thursday’s outing can be considered as one.
One home-run apart, starter Joe Blanton was nearly perfect for the Phillies. Throwing a complete game, for a moment, he reminded one of Roy Halladay and the way he breezes through the innings.
Nine innings he pitched brought seven strike-outs. As a result, shaky bullpen of the Phillies was not exposed in the game.
"I felt like the last two I was getting close but just not quite there, and kind of the same today," Blanton said. "It's not one where quick fixes have all of a sudden made it better. It's been trying a few things and grinding on it."
Watching Blanton finishing a complete game was surprising for Philadelphia manager Charlie Manuel.
"That was a very pleasant surprise," Manuel said. "It's good for him to finish the game and everything. That's good. He threw strikes all night and he made big pitches when he had to.”
The club will like Blanton keeping the momentum and following with the same kind of performance in upcoming games.
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