This looks like it's turning into a nice road trip after all, thank you very much. Minnesota, after a rough start, is now 3-2 on their swing through the AL West, and last night's 9-5 win was an impressive one.
The Twins got a strong outing from starter Francisco Liriano, the offense pounded out 12 hits, and the Twins played great defense, turning key double plays, to take the first game of the series 9-5.
Nick Blackburn will get the start for the good guys tonight. Blackburn is coming off his toughest outing of the year, when he gave up 9 runs and 11 hits in just 2.2 innings in the 20-6 loss to the Rangers.
Joe Mauer, who has been swinging a hot bat as of late, will move back behind the plate for Saturday's game. After the plane ride from Texas to Oakland, manager Ron Gardenhire played Mauer at first base on Friday night, where he went 2-4, raising his average to .294 on the season.
Starting for the A's tonight will be Guillermo Moscosco, who is 3-5 on the season, with a 3.47 ERA.