Thome Hits No. 511 as Chisox Crush Rays

Chicago DH now tied with Mel Ott for No. 21 all-time in long balls
By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff
Posted Apr 19, 2008 12:55 AM CDT
Thome Hits No. 511 as Chisox Crush Rays
Tampa Bay Rays pitching coach Jim Hickey (48) tries to calm down pitcher Jeff Niemann, right, after giving up back-to-back, third inning home runs to Chicago on Friday, April 18, 2008.   (AP Photo)

Jim Thome hit his 511th career home run and Javier Vazquez won his third consecutive start to lead the Chicago White Sox past the Tampa Bay Rays, 9-2 on Friday. Thome connected in the third inning for a three-run shot off rookie Jeff Niemann, who was making his second career start. The next batter, Paul Konerko, homered to make it 4-0.

The White Sox designated hitter tied Hall of Famer Mel Ott for 21st place all-time with his fourth homer of the season, which hit an overhanging catwalk. Thome has reached base safely in all 26 games he has played at Tropicana Field. Vazquez (3-1) gave up two runs and six hits over 6 1-3 innings, striking out out four, walking one. (More Chicago White Sox stories.)

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