Span welcomes himself home with hit parade

Former Tampa Catholic standout and current Twins rookie outfielder Denard Span didn't waste any time getting his first hit in his first game back in Tampa Bay as a major leaguer.

Span, starting in centerfield and batting leadoff for Minnesota Thursday against the Rays at Tropicana Field in a pivotal game for both teams, hit James Shields' second pitch of the game to centerfield for a single.

Span is 2 for 4 with a walk and three runs scored on the night. He entered the game hitting .296 with six homers, 41 RBIs and 17 stolen bases. After a brief stint with the Twins in April, he returned for good June 29 and has played a large role in the Twins' playoff push with both his bat and his glove.

The Twins drafted Span in the first-round in 2002.

-- EDUARDO A. ENCINA

Comments

[*]

Congradulation Denard! You have represented Tampa Catholic well.