Liriano keeps Twins' hopes alive

You wouldn't want to head to Vegas and put down a bet on the Twins. But at least they're alive.

Francisco Liriano, 6-0 since being called up, pitched seven strong innings against the playoff-bound Rays. This was a must-win-situation against a good team. The Twins couldn't count on any help from the Royals, who managed to win only one game against the White Sox.

The Twins are two and a half games back with a series coming up against the Sox at the Baggie Dome. They need to win at least two of three -- and probably all three.

Both teams are off Monday, and the series begins Tuesday in Minneapolis.

Joe Mauer was the hitting star for the Twins, hitting a double and triple. He has an 11-game hitting streak and went eight for 15 in the series. He's hitting .330.

It was a strange series. The Twins stole one in the first game, winning 11-8 with five runs in the ninth. Alexi Casilla hit a two-run homer and Adam Everett, ready to bunt with runners on second and third, smacked one over the left fielder's head. The Twins' much-maligned bullpen came through.

Then the Twins were blown out twice and it looked grim. It was fortunate the White Sox lost their game against the Royals on Saturday. 

Liriano's been fantastic. He's 6-3 with an ERA of 3.39, but those numbers include a couple of horrendous starts early in the year.

You can't help but wonder what would've happened if the Twins had kept Johan Santana. But let's look ahead -- the team still has a shot at the division, though the odds favor the White Sox, and should be really good next year. They need some bullpen help, but this is a solid club that should get better.

Let's congratulate the Rays. It's the top story in baseball this year. Joe Maddon's done a great job, and they have some fine young talent.

What a story it would be if the Rays faced the Cubs in the World Series. But would that mean the end of the world?

For the first game of the White Sox series, it's Javier Vazquez vs. Scott Baker. It's unfortunate Liriano will not be pitching in the series, but the Twins needed the game Sunday.

Joe Nathan got his 38th save Sunday and has 199 in his career.