(Sports Network) - The Minnesota Twins once thought Francisco Liriano would be
the heir apparent to Johan Santana. That, of course, never happened and on
Saturday, the Twins will try to put a dent in his new team's playoff hopes
when they continue a three-game set against the Chicago White Sox at Target
Field.
Liriano, a 14-game winner for the Twins as recently as 2010, was shipped to
Chicago right before the non-waiver trade deadline after years of
inconsistency since a breakout campaign in 2006.
Liriano, who gave up two runs in a relief effort on Tuesday without recording
an out, was 3-10 in 22 games (17 starts) for the Twins with a 5.31 ERA before
the deal.
He hasn't started since a no-decision against Kansas City on Sept. 7 when he
allowed five runs and six hits in five innings. In nine games since being
acquired by Chicago, Liriano is 2-1 with a 5.53 ERA.
Liriano did not get a decision against the Twins three days after being traded
by them, as he surrendered two runs and four hits in six innings of that one.
The 28-year-old left-hander will try to duplicate Chris Sale's terrific effort
in Friday's opener. Sale tossed six scoreless innings and Chicago rolled to a
6-0 win.
The win allowed Chicago to maintain its one-game lead over Detroit for first
place in the AL Central. The Tigers took a 4-0 win over the Indians on Friday.
Sale (17-6) gave up just three hits and struck out five to win his second
straight start. Dayan Viciedo drove in two while Kevin Youkilis hit a solo
home run for the White Sox, who had just dropped two of three to Detroit.
"I just felt really good out there tonight and didn't let the little things
get to me," said Sale. "All in all, it was a pretty great day out there for
the whole team. We just need to keep this rolling and get into the playoffs."
Justin Morneau had two of the four hits for the Twins, who have lost three of
their last four. Esmerling Vasquez (0-2) was charged with three runs on three
hits along with four walks and four strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings of work.
"He was attacking the zone real well and got his pitches through," said
Minnesota manager Ron Gardenhire about Sale. "He threw strikes and we just
couldn't get anything going against him."
On Saturday, Minnesota will rely on righty Samuel Deduno, who is 6-3 with a
3.55 ERA. He beat the Cleveland Indians on Monday, holding them to a pair of
runs and three hits with three walks in seven innings.
Deduno lost to Chicago two starts ago in his only other start against them and
gave up two runs in six innings.
The White Sox have won 12 of their 16 meetings this season with the Twins,
going 5-2 at Minnesota.
The Sports Network