Jim Thome hit a three-run home run in the in the third inning to help lift the Philadelphia Phillies over the Minnesota Twins, 6-1, in Game 3 of the three-game series at Target Field. The Phillies recorded consecutive wins for the first time since beating the New York Mets and Miami Marlins back-to-back to start the month.
Joe Blanton (6-6) settled down nicely after giving up a solo home run to Trevor Plouffe in the second inning. He gave up just one earned run in nine innings pitched, striking out seven while giving up seven hits and no walks.
Twins starter Scott Diamond (5-2) was much shakier. Ty Wigginton hit his seventh home run of the season in the second inning to put the Phillies up 1-0. In the third, Diamond gave up a double to Jimmy Rollins to lead off the inning, and walked Hunter Pence to set up Thome's blast with two outs to go in the inning. Diamond was relieved after giving up four earned runs off five hits and two walks in six innings. He gave up two home runs and struck just one.
Carlos Ruiz double to left field to score Shane Victorino in the eight inning, and Placido Polanco singled to right to score Rollins in the ninth. Rollins continued his solid month of June by going 3-for-5 at the plate with a double.
The Phillies will begin a three-game road series against the Toronto Blue Jays on Friday, starting at 7:07 p.m. ET. Vance Worley (3-2, 3.00 ERA) will go up against Drew Hutchison (5-3, 4.66) at the mound.
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