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Big Hurt Returns and Helps A's Win

Veteran claimed by '06 club after being released by Toronto

By Chip Bayers,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 24, 2008 6:24 PM CDT

(Newser) – Frank Thomas won in his return to Oakland. Rajai Davis got three hits in his Athletics debut. With two new and familiar faces in the starting lineup, the A's jumped on Minnesota starter Francisco Liriano for six runs in the first inning on the way to an 11-2 victory over the Twins in the rubber game Thursday. Donnie Murphy hit solo shots in the fifth and sixth innings for his first and second homers of the season and first career multihomer game.

Mike Sweeney—whose playing time will probably diminish with the addition of Thomas—had a two-run double off the wall in left in the fourth, a day after connecting for his first home run in 40 games. Emil Brown hit a two-run single as the A's batted around in the first and chased Liriano (0-3) after only two-thirds of an inning.

Oakland Athletics' Donnie Murphy watches his home run off Minnesota Twins pitcher Brian Bass during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Murphy homered twice in the game and had four RBIs to help the A's to an 11-2 win.
Oakland Athletics' Donnie Murphy watches his home run off Minnesota Twins pitcher Brian Bass during the fifth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Murphy homered twice...   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Oakland Athletics designated hitter Frank Thomas hits a ground ball to third base during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Thomas reached first base safely on Brian Buscher's fielding error.
Oakland Athletics designated hitter Frank Thomas hits a ground ball to third base during the second inning of a baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008....   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Oakland Athletics first baseman Mike Sweeney, left, and catcher Kurt Suzuki, right, miss a fly foul ball hit by Minnesota Twin' Carlos Gomez during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008.
Oakland Athletics first baseman Mike Sweeney, left, and catcher Kurt Suzuki, right, miss a fly foul ball hit by Minnesota Twin' Carlos Gomez during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif.,...   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Greg Smith throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008.
Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Greg Smith throws against the Minnesota Twins during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008.   (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Oakland Athletics' Rajai Davis goes sliding into third base for a triple against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning of their baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008.  Davis, who was claimed off waivers from San Francisco, got three hits in his debut with the A's.  Oakland...
Oakland Athletics' Rajai Davis goes sliding into third base for a triple against the Minnesota Twins in the fifth inning of their baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Davis, who...   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
Minnesota Twins pitcher Jesse Crain reacts after giving up a home run to the Oakland Athletics' Donnie Murphy in the sixth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Oakland won 11-2.
Minnesota Twins pitcher Jesse Crain reacts after giving up a home run to the Oakland Athletics' Donnie Murphy in the sixth inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif., Thursday, April 24, 2008. Oakland...   (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)
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