Francisco Liriano turned in a strong start and Joe Mauer drove in two runs to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 7-4 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday in the second game of a key four-game set between American League Central Division rivals.

Liriano (7-7) allowed two runs and six hits in 7 2/3 innings to pick up the win. He struck out eight and walked two to help end Chicago's nine-game winning streak.

Minnesota scored four runs in the fourth to take a 4-0 lead. Chicago scored single runs in the fifth and eighth to climb back within two runs, but Minnesota responded with three runs in the home half of the eighth, highlighted by a two-run single to center by Mauer.

The White Sox scored two in the ninth off Twins closer Jon Rauch, but Jesse Crain recorded the final two outs for his first save of the season. Rauch allowed two runs, two hits and three walks before being bailed out by Crain.

Chicago starter Gavin Floyd (5-8) took the loss. He allowed four runs and seven hits in five innings and had his three-start win streak snapped.