Texas at Minnesota

Francisco Liriano, scheduled to start for the Twins, sits this one out with an inflamed left elbow. Too bad for Minnesota as he is 12-2 with a 1.96 ERA. Instead, Boof Bonser gets the call. Bosner has average stats with a 2-2 record and 5.30 ERA. But, he lasts just 5.1 innings per start. Minnesota's bullpen is excellent but they may have to go to it very early in this one as Texas is pounding the ball (6.1 runs per game over their last seven). Kip Wells goes for Texas and he's got to be happy to be out of Pittsburgh. Over his last three starts he's posted a stellar 1.83 ERA. The Rangers have a winning road record this season including a 13-8 mark vs. very good teams that outscore opponents by 0.5 runs per game. The Twins were hammered last game 0-9 and they are just 7-16 this season following a game in which they scored under 3 runs. I like Texas and a motivated Wells to steal this one.