Minnesota Twins: Francisco Liriano Struggles, Gets Season Going With No-No

Francisco Liriano was having a hard season.

He had a 1-4 record, his pitches weren't working and he wasn't getting much help from his fielders.

A 9.13 ERA from the Twins ace? Liriano was pitching tonight to save his spot in the rotation.

He saved his spot, all right.

Even though he gave up six walks, Liriano didn't allow a single hit in the Twins' 1-0 win over the White Sox, throwing the first no-no of 2011.

Liriano forced a groundout to short, a popup to short and a liner to short in the ninth inning.

Liriano struck out only two batters, but his fielders made plays—good ones, too.

On one play in the eighth, Brent Lillibrige was at first and Gordon Beckham was up. Beckham hit a curveball to third base, where Valencia fielded it and fired to second...

Alexi Casilla caught the ball at second and got the lead runner out, but his throw to first was a little off.

Justin Morneau came off the bag to get it and tried to tag the runner. However, replays showed he didn't touch the runner—he wasn't even close. The umpire called him out.

After the Twins went hitless in the ninth, the White Sox came up to bat. Brent Morel, the first batter, hit a hanging slider to short. Matt Tolbert fielded it and fired a one-hopper to first. Justin Morneau scooped the throw and there was one out. However, the next batter, Juan Pierre, walked to get a runner on.

Alexei Ramirez was next. He hit a slider up into the air. Tolbert had to back up just a few steps to catch it and get the second out.

Unfortunately for Twins fans, Liriano then pitched three straight balls to Adam Dunn.

He recovered with two strikes, and on the 3-2 pitch, Liriano threw a hanging curveball that was heading to the right corner of the plate. Dunn saw the pitch, swung at it and hit it to short...

It looked like a hit...but Matt Tolbert caught it!

Yes, Francisco Liriano had saved his season and thrown a no-hitter—it looks like Liriano's spot in the rotation is saved!