Francisco Liriano

The Twins lost 8-3 at home to the Los Angeles Angels Monday night in the first game of a 3-game series. Francisco Liriano allowed 5 hits, 3 walks and 4 earned runs in 5 innings to take the loss and drop to 0-5. Liriano's ERA is 9.45 this season. Manager Ron Gardenhire isn't happy with Liriano's performance but says Liriano will stay in the rotation. Shortstop Brian Dozier made his major league debut and was 1-4 at the plate. Erik Komatsu was 2-4 and Joe Mauer was 1-4 with 1 RBI for the Twins. Jared Weaver allowed 3 hits and 1 earned run in 6 innings to get the win for the Angels.

The Twins lost 4-0 in Anaheim to the L.A. Angels Tuesday night. Jerome Williams threw the complete-game 3-hit shutout to get the win. Francisco Liriano threw 5 1/3 innings with 7 hits and 4 earned runs allowed to take the loss and drop to 0-4. Torii Hunter was 2-2 with a homerun and 2 RBIs and Howie Kendrick was 3-4 with a solo homerun for the Angels. Denard Span had 2 of the 3 hits for the Twins.

The Twins will skip lefthander Francisco Liriano's spot in the rotation this weekend. He's 0-3 with a 11.02 ERA in 4 starts for the Twins this season. Manager Ron Gardenhire said he talked with Liriano and Liriano feels confident about the plan. Gardenhire does not want to put Liriano in the bullpen and will give him another chance to start. Liriano's next start will be Tuesday May 1 in Anaheim against the Angels.

The Twins lost 6-2 at Tropicana Field against the Tampa Bay Rays Sunday afternoon. Tampa Bay wins 2 of 3 against the Twins over the weekend. Francisco Liriano allowed 3 hits, 4 walks and 5 earned runs in 5 innings to take the loss and drop to 0-3. Ryan Doumit had a pinch-hit 2-run single and Jamey Carroll was 2-4. Desmond Jennnings hit a 2-run homerun and drove in 3 runs on the day.

The Twins had trouble hitting, fielding and pitching Saturday night in their 8-2 loss at Baltimore. The Orioles scored 1 run in the 2nd inning, 2 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th and never trailed. Tommy Hunter threw 7 innings with 6 hits and 2 unearned runs allowed. Minnesota scored both of their runs in the 8th inning. Justin Morneau went 2-4 and both Jamey Carroll and Joe Mauer had RBI groundouts. Francisco Liriano threw just 4 innings with 8 hits and 5 earned runs allowed to take the loss.

The Twins tied Tampa Bay 6-6 in an exhibition game Monday afternoon in Florida. Danny Valencia went 3-4 with a homerun and 2 RBIs and Luke Hughes hit a solo homerun for Minnesota. Francisco Liriano threw 5 innings with 7 hits and 1 earned run allowed with 7 strikeouts and 1 walk for the Twins.

The Twins downed Pittsburgh 10-0 Sunday afternoon in exhibition play in Florida. Francisco Liriano threw 5 no-hit shutout innings with 6 strikeouts and 1 walk to get the win. Jamey Carroll went 2-3 with 2 RBIs and a run scored and both Joe Benson and Trevor Plouffe each had 2 hits, a run and 1 RBI for the Twins. Prospect Brian Dozier hit a solo homerun for Minnesota.

The Twins lost 8-2 in exhibition play to Toronto Tuesday afternoon in Fort Myers, Florida. Francisco Liriano threw 3 innings with 4 earned runs allowed to take the loss. Alex Burnett was roughed up too. He allowed 4 earned runs in 2/3 of an inning. Joe Mauer was 2-3 with a run scored and Trevor Plouffe was 1-3 with 1 RBI.

The Twins and relief pitcher Glen Perkins have agreed to terms on a 1-year contract worth $1.55 Million to avoid salary arbitration. The Twins and starting pitcher Francisco Liriano have agreed to terms on a 1-year $5.55 Million contract.

The Baltimore Orioles beat the Twins 6-1 Thursday afternoon to complete a 4-game sweep of the Twins this week. Jo Jo Reyes threw 6 innings with 1 earned run allowed to get the win. Francisco Liriano left the game early after 2 innings with a strained shoulder. Liriano was placed on the 15-day disabled list after the game.