The first pitch of Kyle Kendrick's career was low for a ball to Jerry Owens. Owens worked a full count before grounding out to Jimmy Rollins. After an Alex Cintron double down the first base line, Jim Thome was greeted with a rousing ovation.
Thome, with that familiar pre-pitch point of the bat toward the mound, nubs a grounder in the dirt just in front of the plate. Catcher Rod Barajas easily throws him out as Kyle Kendrick takes a huge sigh of relief.
Jermaine Dye picks up Thome by drilling a double just over the glove of Shane Victorino, 1-0 Chicago. Victorino appeared to have the ball tracked, but couldn't make the play; making his first start of the season in center probably didn't help.
The next hitter, A.J. Pierzynski, hit a long, loud foul ball before grounding out to short to end the inning. When the score changes, it'll be noted in the header.