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Murphy's four RBI help Athletics drub Twins

Apr 25, 2008 - 1:05 AM By Al Barba PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Donnie Murphy had two home runs and a career-high four RBI while Rajai Davis collected three hits in his Oakland debut as the Athletics defeated the Minnesota Twins, 11-2, on Thursday afternoon.

In a game that marked the return of Frank Thomas to Oakland, the Athletics pounded out 15 hits against five Minnesota pitchers, including five for extra bases.

Oakland provided more than enough offense for rookie Greg Smith (2-0), who scattered seven hits, walked one and struck out three in seven innings.

After allowing a leadoff home run to Carlos Gomez to open the game, Smith (2-0) did not yield another run until the fifth, when Mike Redmond hit a leadoff double and scored on a single by Brian Buscher.

"I took a little bit of a different approach today than I did in my previous start," Smith said. "I really concentrated on the first inning. I kinda beared down a little bit and gritted my teeth after serving up the homer."

The big lead that Smith was staked to after the initial frame helped settle him down as well.

"I was able to relax and focus on throwing strikes, throwing quality pitches," Smith said. "It doesn't get easier but it gets a little more comfortable."

Oakland batted around in the first inning, scoring six runs against an ineffective Francisco Liriano(0-3). The Twins lefthander was unable to get out of the opening frame, lasting just two-thirds of an inning.

Eight of the first nine batters in the Athletics' lineup reached base, as Oakland collected five hits and three walks against Liriano.

Emil Brown and Murphy had two-run singles while Chris Denorfia had an RBI single and Kurt Suzuki capped the scoring with a run-producing base hit in his second at-bat of the inning.

"I knew coming into today that we were going to score some runs," said Murphy, referring to seeing Mike Sweeney and Thomas batting third and fourth in the lineup. "It was very comfortable and exciting coming in here today and seeing a couple of new guys in the lineup."

Thomas and Davis, who joined Oakland on Thursday, both figured prominently in the scoring, with each scoring after reaching base on a walk and single, respectively.

"I'm excited to be over here in Oakland," Davis said. "I'm thrilled about the opportunity and am just looking forward to what we're going to do this year. It's just nice to get up there and be able to play and show what you're capable of."

Thomas, who is beginning his second stint with Oakland after his release from Toronto, was inserted into the cleanup spot in the lineup. Davis, claimed off waivers after being designated for assignment by San Francisco, batted ninth.

Thomas went 0-for-3, walked twice and scored a run, while Davis had a pair of singles, triple and run scored.

"I totally enjoyed my time here earlier," said Thomas, referring to the 2006 season when he batted .270 with 39 home runs and 114 RBI while helping Oakland reach the American League Championship Series. "The fans have always been great here and that's one of the reasons I played so well two years ago. I'm happy to be back. I just had to shake the rust off today."

The Athletics added to their lead in the fourth on a two-run double by Sweeney and extended their lead to 10-2 in the fifth on a home run by Murphy and RBI double by Suzuki. Murphy added another solo shot in the sixth inning.

"Today I was just seeing things so well," Murphy said. "The second one (home run) was a slider and I sat on it well. Today was one of those days where everything he threw I saw perfect."