Twins 4, A's 0: Liriano's Return to the Rotation a Ringing Success

In his first start back in the rotation since he took a break in the bullpen, Francisco Liriano threw six innings of solid ball. When his first pitch of the game sailed past Drew Butera to the backstop, I'm sure there was a collective sigh heard around the state of Minnesota, as Twins fans anticipated another rough game from the former ace. What happened, however, was surprising--and a huge relief to a team with a very sub-par starting rotation--as Liriano threw six innings, only giving up three hits and two walks. Oh, and the best part? He struck out nine (9!) Oakland batters. Perhaps not as impressive, as Oakland has had notorious issues hitting this season, but for a pitcher with equally notorious mental issues while throwing, today's game had to be a big confidence boost. Also noticeable was Liriano's ability to continue to throw good pitches and not lose him composure after giving up a hit or walk--both very good signs for the Twins lefty.

After he almost struck out the side in the 6th inning (a pesky Collin Cowgill fly out to Denard Span preventing all three batters from being retired via strikeout), and throwing just 88 pitches, he was replaced by Alex Burnettin the seventh. Burnett came in and was able to get Josh Donaldson, Kurt Suzuki, and Daric Barton to pop out to end the seventh. In the eighth inning, Burnett did issue a walk to Cliff Pennington, but Jemile Weekslined into a double play, effectively putting a stop to any trouble Burnett could find. Jeff Gray came in to pitch the ninth, and after striking out one, closed out the game for the Twins, sealing a series sweep for the struggling club.

Full recap after the jump.