Twins Liriano allows three runs, five hits in four innings in Triple-A start

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NORFOLK, Va. -- Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano had an erratic second rehab start for Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday night.

Liriano, recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery that forced him to miss the entire 2007 season, gave up three runs and five hits in four innings in a loss to Norfolk. Liriano walked three and struck out three.

Liriano threw 88 pitches Tuesday, a few more than he threw for Class A Fort Myers on Thursday.

"I am just trying to get confident," Liriano said.

Liriano went 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA in 2006 before missing last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

"No one wants to get hurt. There's nothing I can do about it," he said. "I'm just trying to get better and I'm working hard."

Rochester manager Stan Cliburn said he didn't think Liriano was real sharp.

"He got deep in counts," Cliburn said. "His fastball was good. The only thing good I saw is he's confident in his breaking ball."

Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press

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