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Streaking Twins look to keep pace in AL Central

Sep 26, 2008 - 10:28 AM Kansas City (73-86) at Minnesota (87-72), 8:10 p.m. EDT

MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Coming off a huge sweep of the Chicago White Sox, the first-place Minnesota Twins can ill-afford a letdown on Friday.

Minnesota hopes to set the pace in the American League Central when it hosts the Kansas City Royals.

The Twins capped a dramatic three-game sweep on Thursday with a 7-6, 10-inning victory over the White Sox. The triumph moved Minnesota one-half game ahead of Chicago (86-72) in the division.

Winners in 11 of 15 meetings with Kansas City, Minnesota will send Francisco Liriano (6-3, 3.39 ERA) to the mound.

The lefthander has been spectacular since he was recalled from the minors at the beginning of August, going 6-0 with a 2.05 ERA in 10 starts. Liriano defeated Tampa Bay on Sunday, allowing one run over seven innings with seven strikeouts.

Kansas City, which is coming off a sweep of Detroit to move out of the basement in the AL Central, will counter with Kyle Davies (8-7, 4.21)

Davies has won his last two starts, allowing two runs over 15 innings during that stretch. The righthander defeated Chicago on Saturday, giving up two runs in seven frames.

The White Sox are hosting the Cleveland Indians for three games over the weekend. Chicago also has a makeup game with the Detroit Tigers tentatively scheduled for Monday, if the game would affect playoff spots.