Miracle Add One More to All-Star Game

FORT MYERS, FL – The All-Stars keep piling up for the Fort Myers Miracle as starting pitcher Francisco Liriano was added to the Western Division team on Wednesday, the Florida State League announced.

The 20-year-old Liriano, is 3-4 with a 3.14 ERA in 12 games this season. He leads the club in innings pitched (66.0) and strikeouts (66) and the opposition is hitting .263 against him. Liriano had a 16.0 inning scoreless streak snapped in his last start.

The left-hander, was acquired in the off season from the San Francisco Giants to complete the trade in which the Twins acquired Joe Nathan for A.J. Pierzynski. Liriano’s fastball has been clocked at 97 mph and his good sharp breaking pitch has given hitters trouble all season.

Liriano is the sixth Miracle selected to the All-Star team. He joins pitcher Justin Olson, catcher Joe Morales and infielder Kaulana Kuhaulua. Pitchers Scott Baker and Travis Bowyer were also selected, but will not play because of their promotion to Double-A New Britain. The All-Star Game is Saturday, June 12 at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie.