Liriano earns top honor as top pitcher in FSL

FORT MYERS, FL – The Fort Myers Miracle have earned their first award of the season as Francisco Liriano was named Pitcher of the Week by the Florida State League for the week ending April 25, 2004.

Liriano, from San Cristobal, DR, was solid in his two starts going 1-1 with a 1.38 ERA. In 13.0 innings he allowed just two runs on seven hits, while walking six and striking out 12 while holding the opposition to a .159 average. For the season Liriano is 1-2 with a 3.10 ERA. In 20.1 innings he has walked 11 and struck out 23.

The 20 year old left-hander, is in his fourth season of professional baseball and his first year in the Minnesota Twins organization. He came over as part of the deal that sent A.J. Pierzynski to the Giants.

Entering the 2004 season, he was a career 8-12 with a 3.88 ERA while holding the opposition to a .223 average. In 160.0 career innings, he has walked 64 and struck out 173.

This is the second time in his career he has earned the pitcher of the week honor. In 2002 he was the Howe Sportsdata South Atlantic League Player of the Week, June 7-13.