Twins snap White Sox's nine-game win streak

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07/17/2010 - Minneapolis, MN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Joe Mauer had two hits, including a big two-run single in the eighth inning, as the Minnesota Twins held on for a 7-4 victory and snapped Chicago's nine-game win streak.

Francisco Liriano (7-7) pitched 7 2/3 effective innings for the Twins, giving up two runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out eight. It was a good rebound start from last Friday, when Liriano gave up seven runs in less than two innings against Detroit.

Mauer ended up providing the game-deciding runs in the eighth. His hit, along with an RBI single by Michael Cuddyer, gave the Twins a 7-2 lead heading to the ninth.

The White Sox rallied for two runs off Minnesota closer Jon Rauch, but Jesse Crain entered to record the final two outs and get his first save since 2006.

J.J. Hardy went 3-for-4 with a double and RBI for the Twins, who lost Thursday in the opener of this four-game series. Cuddyer and Orlando Hudson each added two hits.

"Very exciting baseball game," said Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. "Liriano was super, [he] was just exactly what we needed."

Gavin Floyd (5-8) took the loss after allowing four runs in five innings. However, only one of those runs was earned as the White Sox committed four errors. Floyd, who had won his last three starts, allowed seven hits, walked three and struck out five.

Gordon Beckham went 2-for-4 with a double and RBI for Chicago, which took its first loss since July 3.

The Twins surged in front in the fourth inning. A fielding error on third baseman Dayan Viciedo allowed Delmon Young to be safe at first, which loaded the bases with one away. Hardy followed with a single to center to get a run in before Nick Punto struck out.

But the inning kept going when Denard Span hit an infield single to second. The hit plated a run, and Beckham's throwing error on the play allowed Young to score. Hudson made it a 4-0 game with an RBI single before Floyd retired Mauer on a fly out to escape the inning.

Juan Pierre's RBI single in the fifth got Chicago on the board, and in the eighth, Paul Konerko plated a run with a two-out double. Liriano was pulled after that at-bat, while Matt Guerrier came in and got the final out.

The Twins then increased their lead in the home half after loading the bases with one out against Tony Pena. Mauer's single to center got two home and chased Pena, who was replaced on the mound by Scott Linebrink. One out later, Cuddyer hit an RBI single to left.

In the top of the ninth, Beckham came to the plate with runners on first and second with one out, and singled to right to get the White Sox within 7-3. Rauch then walked Pierre to load the bases, and issued another walk to Alexei Ramirez to force in a run.

Crain was brought into the tough spot, but retired Alex Rios on a fly ball before fanning Konerko to end the game.

"It's a testament to the way we're playing, our confidence that we're never out of any game," Beckham said of the rally. "Even after the bottom of the eighth we fought pretty hard to stay in it in the ninth. We didn't come through, but it's tough to score that many runs in the ninth inning."

Game Notes

Liriano got his first win since June 11...The save was just the third of Crain's career...Chicago right fielder Carlos Quentin was scratched from the lineup because of a bruised right hand.

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FOOTBALL BETTING : Cassel Signs Contract

Kansas City, MO - Kansas City has not officially named Matt Cassel its starting quarterback, but there can be no doubt now.

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After praising his leadership and work ethic through spring workouts, the Chiefs announced Tuesday they had signed the 27-year-old Cassel to a multiyear contract. Terms were not disclosed, but he will almost certainly be one of the highest-paid members of the team.
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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.