Detroit, MI (Sports Network) - Francisco Liriano hurled eight shutout innings for the second consecutive start, and the Twins used a trio of Detroit errors to help record a 2-0 victory over the Tigers at Comerica Park.
Liriano Strikes Out 10 In Another Great Outing, Twins Tame Tigers, 2-0
Liriano (3-0) struck out 10 -- his first double-digit strikeout game since July 28, 2006 -- and extended his scoreless innings streak to 23 over three starts for the Twins, who have won eight of 11 and are the only team in the majors not to drop a series in 2010. The lefty allowed just four hits and a walk and lowered his earned run average to an AL-best 0.93.
Johnny Damon extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a double in the sixth, but the Tigers were shut out for the second time this year in their third loss in five games.
Justin Verlander (1-2) lasted just 5 1/3 innings and was dealt the hard-luck loss, giving up just one unearned run on four hits and three walks while fanning seven.
Both pitchers were highly effective early, although Verlander had to work out of a few jams to keep Minnesota off the scoreboard.
While Liriano faced the minimum 12 batters through four innings, the Twins put runners in scoring position in every inning from the second through the fifth but didn’t cash in on any opportunity.
Then, in the sixth, an error helped end the scoreless pitcher’s duel.
Verlander looked as if he would get through the inning unscathed, striking out both Michael Cuddyer and Jason Kubel to begin the frame. He followed with a four-pitch walk to Thome, and J.J. Hardy lofted a deep fly ball to the gap in left-centerfield.
Ryan Raburn drifted over to attempt a basket catch, but the ball bounced off the heel of his glove, allowing Thome to race around and score. Verlander, who had thrown 121 pitches at that point, exited the game in favor of Eddie Bonine, who loaded the bases before Fu-Te Ni came in and induced an inning- ending groundout from Orlando Hudson.
Meanwhile, Liriano worked out of a jam in the fifth when Detroit put runners on first and third with two outs, and he pitched around a two-out double by Damon in the sixth to keep the Tigers scoreless.
Another error allowed Minnesota to extend its lead in the seventh. With Ni on the mound, Delmon Young drew a one-out walk and was erased on a fielder's choice groundout from Cuddyer. After a balk, Kubel also walked, and Thome sent a grounder to second base.
Scott Sizemore scooped the ball while running hard to his left, and his throw was off the mark, allowing Cuddyer to scamper home for a 2-0 lead. Thome was credited with a single on the play.
Liriano allowed only a single in the seventh and eighth innings, and Rauch pitched around a leadoff single by Damon in the ninth to secure the victory.
Minnesota catcher Joe Mauer went 0-for-5, the first time he has done that since August 1, 2009 against the Angels...Twins first baseman Justin Morneau, who went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts, left the game in the sixth with a stiff back. Tuesday was the first game this season in which he had not reached base safely...This was the first matchup between the clubs since the Twins beat the Tigers in a one-game playoff last season to decide the AL Central. Minnesota went on to lose to the Yankees in the AL Division Series...Minnesota won 12 of the 19 games played between the teams last season.
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