INQUIRER Sports

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, United States?Minnesota's Jim Thome homered twice Saturday to move past Mark McGwire into ninth place on baseball's all-time list and lead the Twins to a 12-4 victory over Texas.

Thome belted his 583rd career home run to lead off the third inning, sending the ball an estimated 449 feet into the second deck of seats over right field.

With two on and two outs in the fourth, Thome drove a full-count pitch into the bullpen for number 584, giving the Twins a 9-0 lead.

Thome also drew a pair of walks to take him to 1,668 for his career. That moved him into ninth all-time in that category, as well, passing Frank Thomas.

In 237 at-bats in his first season with the Twins, Thome has 20 home runs.

He took over sole possession of the team lead with his first long ball of the day, passing Jason Kubel and the disabled Justin Morneau.

After six consecutive one-run games, the Twins came alive against slumping starter Colby Lewis and the American League West-leading Rangers.

With the victory the Twins maintained their four-game AL Central division lead over Chicago.