power ball

For those out there still digging the long ball — if it’s OK to do that in these complicated times — please note that Marcus Thames has found his stroke. The Louisville native and former East Central CC star hit two home runs for the Detroit Tigers on Friday, giving him three in two days and five for the season. If he can do one thing on the ballfield, it’s hit for power. Thames’ return from a long stint on the disabled list has helped the Tigers move into first place in the American League Central. Ex-Gulf Coast CC star Fred Lewis, known more for his speed than his pop, might have topped Thames’ power display on Friday, however. Lewis, with the San Francisco Giants, hit a homer into McCovey Cove, no easy feat. OK, so it bounced in. That’s still impressive. Barry Bonds hit a bunch out there, but few others can do it.