Phillies 6, Twins 1
WP – Joe Blanton (6-6, 4.93)
LP – Scott Diamond (5-2, 2.13)
MINNEAPOLIS — The Phillies combined pitching and offense for the first time it seems in ages.
For the first time in over two weeks, the Phillies had a starter pitch past the 8th inning. It was Joe Blanton who went eight innings in the Phillies 5-1 win over the Twins, taking the series as well.
It was the first time a pitcher went as far as Blanton since May 28 when Cole Hamels was the starter.
Blanton cruised, snapping a five-start streak in which he allowed at least five runs. He went the distance, allowing a run on seven hits while striking out seven for his second complete game of the season.
The lone run Blanton gave up was a solo homer to Trevor Plouffe in the 2nd inning which tied the game up, 1-1, after Ty Wigginton’s home run in the top half of the 2nd.
The Phillies took the lead for good in the 3rd inning on Jim Thome’s three-run homer. It was Thome’s third home run of the season, and on the nine-game road trip.
In the last six games, Thome is 11-for-24 with 13 RBIs. Thome’s nine RBIs during the Twins series was the most he’s ever had in a three-game series for his 22-year career [John Clark].
2B: Rollins (12), Ruiz (16). HR: Wigginton (7), Thome (3).
TTB 