Minnesota @ Chicago preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 11, 2010 ) Minnesota 1, Chi. White Sox 6

Someone will emerge from the Twins-White Sox series with the lead in the American League Central.

That will be decided Thursday night when the teams complete their three-game set at U.S. Cellular Field.

The Twins and White Sox were tied coming into the series and first two games didn't settle anything. Minnesota rolled to a 12-6 win on Tuesday night. Chicago answered with a 6-1 victory Wednesday night.

Both teams will send a hot pitcher to the mound in the finale when Francisco Liriano takes on Gavin Floyd.

Liriano wasn't at his best against Cleveland on Friday. He took a scoreless streak of 21 innings into the game, but never got into a rhythm. He settled down a bit after giving up three first-inning runs, but a high pitch count forced him out of the game early.

Liriano threw 109 pitches and was pulled by manager Ron Gardenhire before the end of the fifth. He lasted 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits, walking six and striking out six. A late rally took him off the hook for a loss, but the Twins lost in the ninth.

Liriano hasn't lost since July 9 against Detroit. He has won his last four decisions, which includes beating the White Sox at Target Field on July 16. He held Chicago to two runs and struck out eight in 7 2/3 innings. Liriano got a no-decision in a start on April 9 at U.S. Cellular Field.

Liriano is one of the best when he's on his game. He has struck out 156 in 140 2/3 innings and has held batters to a .247 average. Liriano's most impressive stat comes in the home runs allowed category. He has given up only two all season and both came on May 20 in Fenway Park when Adrian Beltre and Kevin Youkilis homered.

Floyd has lost once in his last 10 starts and has won three in a row. He was defeated by the Twins and Liriano on July 16. Floyd allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings. Four errors, including his own throwing error, didn't help. Only one of the runs was earned.

Floyd is 6-1 in his last eight starts. He has failed to pitch at least into the seventh inning only once in his last 11 starts. In his three-game winning streak, Floyd has given up only three earned runs and 15 hits in 21 innings.

The teams won't part ways for long. They will meet again for another three-game series starting Tuesday at Target Field.