First Pitch: 1:10pm CDT
TV: FSN
Radio: Twins Radio Network
Know Thine Enemy: Lone Star Ball
Liriano came back from the disabled list and performed well on Tuesday. He lasted just five innings but didn't allow a run, striking out seven and walking three while also allowing three hits. It was a gutsy performance against the first-place Indians, but today will provide a tougher test. Particularly against a Texas squad who will be looking for a bit of revenge after Baker shut them down yesterday.
His last three starts maybe aren't applicable here since he split them with time on the DL, but if you're counting: 18 innings, 20 strikeouts, 8 walks, 12 hits, 1.50 ERA. I think we'll all take that over a three-start spread, every single time.
Harrison's been hot over his last three starts as well, pitching 18.1 innings of ball with a 1.47 ERA. He's had a good season so far, at least superficially, and he'll be at a bit of an advantage considering that the only guys in today's lineup who have ever seen him live are Casilla and Young. Morneau has seen him, but obviously Justin won't be playing.
In general, though, the 25-year old southpaw is no great shakes. Pedestrian strikeout rates, suspect command, a ground ball rate which shouldn't be supressing home run rates as much as it has...the one tangible thing I can point to for reasons of Harrison's success is his fastball. Averaging 93mph, it's faster than it's ever been and, for the first time in Harrison's career, it's a pitch with positive value. His secondary offerings are all mediocre at best, so watch to see how he uses that fastball.