Aiming for fences not part of Fuld's game

ST. PETERSBURG -- Sam Fuld connected for a two-run homer in the eighth inning of Sunday's 10-7 loss to the Orioles, giving the outfielder his first home run since May 27, 2011.

When asked about his blast on Monday, Fuld teased: "It's part of my game."

Despite the power outburst, Fuld understands that aiming for the fences is something that can be detrimental to his success.

"I'm never trying to [hit home runs]," Fuld said. "I think in the past, I think I got in trouble in college. I think that's the last time [I] got into trouble trying to hit too many home runs. You hit a couple and feel really good. I think during that period I really learned that it wasn't going to be a huge part of my game, but it was never going to be something I aimed to do."

Fuld did allow that "it's fun" when he does go deep.

"Anything that's that rare, is fun, whatever those 15 seconds around the bases are, it's hard to duplicate that feeling," Fuld said. "You feel kind of like you're floating. It must get old for the Longorias."

Fuld was asked if he should have milked his journey around the bases a little bit more, because he took long enough.

"I had to slow it down a little bit. I was catching up to [Jose] Molina," Fuld said. "I didn't want to get right on his heels."