Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) – Joe Mauer had two hits, including a big two-run single in the eighth inning, as the Minnesota Twins held on for a 7-4 win over the Chicago White Sox in the continuation of a four-game series.
Francisco Liriano (7-7) pitched 7 2/3 effective innings for the Twins, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out eight. It was a good turnaround from his previous outing, as Liriano gave up seven runs in less than two innings July 9 against Detroit.
Mauer ended up providing the game-deciding runs in the eighth. His hit, along with an RBI single by Michael Cuddyer, gave the Twins a 7-2 lead heading to the ninth.
The White Sox rallied for two runs off Minnesota closer Jon Rauch, but Jesse Crain entered to record the final two outs and record his first save since 2006.