| 03 May 2011
It wasn't pretty, but Francisco Liriano hurled a no-hitter Tuesday night against the Chicago White Sox.
In a symbolic gesture that represented my apathy towards the MLB-worst Twins, I had muted the game and moved it over to my secondary monitor. I may have been half-heartedly watching, but I could recognize that Liriano didn't have his best stuff working. Being far too concerned with Liriano's half dozen walks, I didn't realize he was working on a no-hitter until the 9th inning, when I caught a glimpse of the scoreboard.
A little part of Ron Gardenhire may have died for every pitch Liriano threw beyond his 100th, but thanks to some lucky defensive positioning (and my incredible anti-jinxing power) Liriano retired 27 Chicago batters without allowing a hit.
The first no-hitter of 2011. The first nine-inning performance of Liriano's career. All this from a pitcher on the verge of losing his spot in the rotation?
Maybe all the Twins' problems can be solved with a little threatening? Liriano was on the verge of being moved to the bullpen in favor of Kevin Slowey, and tonight's no-no lowered his ERA from 9.13 to 6.61. He's still got some work to do, but if his offpseed pitches can become effective once again, he may yet return to his dominant self.
It couldn't come a minute too soon.
Minnesota is the worst team in baseball; literally, figurtively, and probably even gastronomically. The White Sox may be the second-worst team in baseball, but beating them always feels good. Especially when it comes at U.S. Cellular Field.
No, this game doesn't solve the Twins' problems. It doesn't remove them from baseball's cellar, or even give us any hope that they'll win more than 60 games. But, even so...
It sure feels nice, doesn't it?
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