Liriano name IL Pitcher of the Week

From an International League Press Release:

The International League announced today that Rochester pitcher Francisco Liriano has been named the League's Pitcher-of-the-Week for the period from June 30-July 6.

Liriano joins outfielders Darnell McDonald (April 28-May 4) and Denard Span (May 12-18) as the third Red Wing to be so honored this season.

In 2005, 21-year-old sensation Francisco Liriano won IL Pitcher of the Week honors twice in a span of three weeks (July 18-24, August 1-7) on his way to the League's Rookie of the Year Award. Three years later, as he works his way back to the Major Leagues following "Tommy John" surgery, Liriano has done it again. Looking closer to his old form, Liriano was brilliant in a pair of victories this week over division rivals Lehigh Valley and Buffalo. The 6'2" southpaw surrendered just seven hits and two walks in 13.0 total innings while striking out 16. Liriano posted his first two scoreless outings of the season, and his nine-strikeout effort against the Iron Pigs Monday was also a season-high. He has now won his last six decisions for the Red Wings (a team-high) all coming in his last seven starts.

24-year-old Francisco Liriano is in his 5th season with the Twins after being acquired in a trade with San Francisco prior to the 2004 season. In his first full big league campaign in 2006, he was one of baseball's most dominant pitchers, posting a 12-3 record with a 2.16 ERA before pain in his left elbow forced him onto the disabled list. He did not pitch in 2007 while recovering from surgery. Liriano is a native of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.

         G GS CG SHO W-L  ERA   IP  H  R ER BB  K SV
Week:    2  2  0   0 2-0 0.00 13.0  7  0  0  2 16  0
Season: 15 15  0   0 6-2 3.80 90.0 82 39 38 27 78  0