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Thome, Twins top Orioles to split series

Apr 22, 2011 - 5:17 AM Baltimore, MD (Sports Network) - Jim Thome had a home run and batted in two runs to lead the Twins over the Orioles, 3-1, and split a four-game set.

Scott Baker (1-2) pitched seven scoreless innings allowing four hits and one walk while fanning nine for Minnesota, which has now won three of its last five.

"These guys are pretty aggressive, so when you have a situation like that you don't have to be too fine or too perfect." said Baker. "Really it's just keeping these guys off balance, changing speeds, and fortunately that's what we were able to do tonight."

Jeremy Guthrie (1-3) took the loss, going seven innings and allowing two runs on seven hits while striking out four to give Baltimore its ninth loss in 11 games.

Thome's solo shot to center field in the second gave the Twins an early lead.

Thome added another run when he singled to score Alexi Casilla in the sixth after Casilla led off the inning with a single and moved to second when Michael Cuddyer was hit by a pitch.

Cuddyer's one-out, solo shot in the eighth made the score 3-0.

Vladimir Guerrero's infield single in the eighth scored Brian Roberts after he singled and moved to third on a Derrek Lee double to put Baltimore on the board.

"It's just one of those circumstances that seems like we can't beat the guy," said Roberts. "He's a good pitcher so you tip your hat and, unfortunately, you move on and try to come back tomorrow and get a win."

The Orioles' had plenty of opportunities to get into the game earlier, but they stranded runners on second base in the third, fourth, and fifth innings.

Matt Capps entered the game in the ninth and got two quick fly-outs before allowing a single to Matt Wieters. He then struck out Robert Andino to earn his third save of the season

Game Notes

Thome's home run was the 591st of his career...Brian Roberts extended his hit streak to nine games...Baltimore went 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.