Oakland's Frank Thomas went 3-for-4 on Tuesday, but nearly lost a hit in the seventh thanks to a heads-up play by Twins right fielder Michael Cuddyer.

The 38-year-old Thomas ripped a sharp single to right and lumbered toward first base. Cuddyer, who was playing shallow on the hit, scooped up the ball and unleashed a throw to first base.

The crowd stood on its feet in anticipation, but Thomas just barely beat it out for a single. He shook his head and smiled sheepishly as he stood on first base.

``I had to take a shot,'' Cuddyer said with a chuckle. ``He crushed the ball out to me and I figured, `What the heck.'''

Cuddyer played quarterback for Great Bridge High School in Virginia and is fast gaining a reputation for his strong arm.

Though Cuddyer said he's never tried to throw someone out at first base from right field before, first baseman Justin Morneau said the two talked about possibly making that play on Thomas after the A's visited the Metrodome in mid-September.

``Cuddy said, 'If he hits a bullet right at me, I'm coming to you,''' Morneau said. ``As soon as I saw him charging after the ball, I thought, 'I better get to first.' It was bang-bang.''

© The Canadian Press, 2007