Thome powers White Sox with career-high seven RBIs

Even though he drove in a combined 7 runs last Saturday and Sunday at Minnesota, White Sox designated hitter Jim Thome couldn't wait for the all-star break.

"Let's face it, your body reacts different daily," said Thome, who turns 39 next month. "Getting four days off was big. I'll admit it, I felt like a young kid again."

Looking refreshed and relaxed as the Sox opened the second half of the season against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night at U.S. Cellular Field, Thome picked up where he left off at the plate.

In the fifth inning, Thome snapped a 3-3 tie with a 3-run homer off Baltimore starter Jason Berken.

And in the sixth, Thome launched a 448-foot rocket to center field with the bases loaded, all but sealing the White Sox' 12-8 victory.

Halfway through his 17th season in the major leagues, Thome established a career high with 7 RBI.

"I really didn't even know it," Thome said of reaching a milestone so late in his career. "I told Paulie (Konerko), 'I think that might have either tied or been close to the career high in RBIs,' so it was kind of cool. Especially at this stage, whenever you can do that it's always nice. It's very nice."

They don't come any nicer than Thome, which is why the Sox' clubhouse still was buzzing long after reliever Tony Pena retired Brian Roberts to end the game.

"He's fun to watch, man," said Scott Podsednik, who reached base five times (3 singles, 2 walks) and scored 3 runs. "He's been doing that for a long time, so it's fun to be on base watching him do his thing."

Konerko idolizes Thome and was happy to talk about the future Hall of Famer's big night.

"When you get guys on base, he's a monster," Konerko said. "And playing with Jim is an honor, a privilege. It's one of those things I don't take lightly. On and off the field, he's as good as they come."

With 14 RBI over his last three games, Thome is once again a force on the field.

"Jim's a big man, and he swings a big bat," Sox manager Ozzie Guillen said. "We needed him today because for our pitching staff it was a bit of a struggle. But when Jim gets home runs, he gets them in a bunch and he gets big ones."

None was bigger - or longer - than the grand slam Thome hit off Orioles reliever Danys Baez.

"You don't feel it off the bat," Thome said. "He was throwing me some good split fingers. I was just trying to get a ball up in the zone and fortunately I got it. When you hit a ball like that, everything kind of stops.

"It's very special when you do hit a ball like that because obviously, you do get the crowd into it, you come in the dugout and they're all excited. It's a big hit for the team. It's pretty awesome when it happens. It's almost like time stops."

The clock on his career is getting late, and that makes Thome appreciate all of his accomplishments even more.

"Yeah, they do, they do," Thome said. "Especially as you do get older. You definitely savor every moment. You just don't know how many more you're going to have."

Scot Gregor's game tracker

White Sox 12, Orioles 8

Friday's grade: B. Jim Thome gave it about 150 percent with a grand slam and a 3-run homer. But the Sox' pitching staff, particularly Scott Linebrink and Matt Thornton, was flat after a four-day break.

Jim Dandy: Not only did DH Jim Thome hit two bombs, his 7 RBI were a career high. The 38-year-old DH also hit his ninth career grand slam and has 14 RBI in his last three games.

Leading the way: Scott Podsednik reached base five times with 3 singles and 2 walks. He also scored 3 runs and stole a base.

Danks survives: John Danks pitched 5 innings and allowed 3 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks, but the lefty won for the third time in his last 3 starts.

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