The long anticipated return of Francisco Liriano did not go the way some be expected, as the Twins lost to the Royals 5-1, unable to complete the sweep. Liriano looked nothing like the pitcher who dominated in 2006, but then again who really expected him to?
The Twins’ lone run came at the beginning of the game in the first when Brendan Harris reached second on a throwing error and later scored on Justin Morneau’s 2-out RBI single. The team’s only other hits were singles by Jason Kubel and Adam Everett.
Handed a lead before he even got on the mound, Liriano couldn’t make it stick. He gave a run in the bottom of the first when Joey Gathright scored on a single by Billy Butler. Liriano gave up another in the second before giving up 2 more in the fourth. The 4 runs he gave up in 4 2/3 innings were off of 6 hits and 5 walks, but he was able to get 4 Ks. He was clearly outplayed by Royals starter Brian Bannister, who pitched the whole game.
Liriano wasn’t expected to come out and get 10 Ks or pitch a complete game his first try, so fans shouldn’t put too much stock into his struggles in his first game back. However, there is still some work to do before he can get back to his 2006 form.
