Liriano gets Twins past Royals, 7-3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Francisco Liriano had his second straight strong start since being recalled from the minors, Delmon Young hit a two-run homer and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals, 7-3, Saturday night.

Liriano is 2-0 with a 2.31 earned-run average in two starts, yielding three earned runs and nine hits in 11 2/3 innings since returning to the Twins from triple-A Rochester, where he won his final 10 decisions.

Liriano (2-3) gave up three runs and six hits in 5 2/3 innings with five strikeouts and two walks.

The left-hander, who threw 100 pitches, was replaced by Boof Bonser after giving up a two-run double to Mark Teahen in the sixth.

Liriano is faring as well as he did in his rookie season in 2006, when he was 12-3 with a 2.16 ERA before sitting out last year after having elbow surgery.