After starting the season 0-4, the Minnesota Twins can notch their first winning streak of the season Thursday afternoon against the Los Angeles Angels.
On Wednesday the Twins, 1-4, held Albert Pujols in check (he went 1 of 4) and, maybe more impressively, touched up Angels starter Jered Weaver. Last season Weaver had a 2.41 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP, and he started this season with an eight-inning, 10-strikeout masterpiece against the Kansas City Royals.
Even so, the Twins nailed him for five earned runs in six innings en route to a 6-5 win. The six runs equalled the Twins' run total from the first four games combined.
With Francisco Liriano on the hill Thursday, the Twins would do well to repeat that offensive performance. Liriano was absolutely lit up in his first and only start this season against Baltimore. He gave up five earned runs in just four innings of work.
The Angels, 2-3, will start Dan Haren, who was also shelled in his season debut. He gave up five runs in 5.1 innings.
Thursday's game starts at 12:10 CT. The forecast calls for 54 and sunny for the opening pitch.
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