Phillies 9, Twins 8: Landslide Scoring by Phillies in First Weighs Down Twins

The Phillies jumped out to an early lead, scoring six runs off of Twins starter P.J. Walters in the top of the first inning, and despite the Twins' later challenges, were able to hold on for the win. Trevor Plouffe continued his torrid hot streak by scoring the Twins first run of the game with a solo homerun in the bottom of the 2nd, but the Phillies continued to pile on the runs with another in the 3rd and two more in the 4th.

And yes, Jim Thome mashed a tater. It was a two-run shot in the bottom top of the 4th, and also the 3rd longest homerun in Target Field history--behind Thome and Thome (seriously).

The Twins mounted a rally in the bottom of the 7th, scoring 4 more runs but ultimately falling short of the Phillies' 9 runs scored. Brian Dozier led off the seventh with a double, followed by a walk from Jamey Carroll. Denard Span doubled, Ben Revere singled, and Joe Mauer also singled (not a home run), before Josh Willingham struck out, Justin Morneau grounded out, and Doumit struck out himself to end it for the Twins.

Although they made it interesting and threatened, the Twins never scored again in the game, and ultimately lost a close 8 to 9.

Studs and duds after the jump.

• Jim Thome: Hit the 3rd longest homerun in Target Field history.
• Trevor Plouffe: Hit his third homerun in three days--keeping the streak alive!
• Josh Willingham: Hit his 13th homerun of the season off Cole Hammels in the 6th inning; if you do not love his guy by now, what the heck is wrong with you?
• Jamey Carroll: Awesome defensive plays; 2 for 3, with 1 hit, 1 walk, and 2 runs scored.