Times wires
Thursday, May 19, 2011
PHILADELPHIA — Jason Giambi looked like the old Giambino, becoming the second-oldest player to hit three homers in a game and tie his career high with seven RBIs, leading the Rockies past the Phillies 7-1 Thursday.
"It's nice to contribute and get an opportunity to play," said Giambi, who started at first base because Todd Helton had a stiff back, and adjusted his stance to more upright. "It's exciting, something you dream about."
Giambi, 40, went deep in his first three at-bats. The former AL MVP entered 3-for-26 (.115) with one homer.
With two chances to match the majors' record of four homers in a game, Giambi struck out twice, looking in the sixth and swinging in the ninth.
"I was up there letting it fly, giving it some whacks," said Giambi, who hit a three-run shot in the first off Kyle Kendrick, a two-run shot off Kendrick in the third and a two-run shot off Danys Baez in the fifth.
Stan Musial is the oldest player to hit three in a game (41, vs. Mets, July 8, 1962).