On a chilly evening at U.S. Cellular Field, Francisco Liriano got past some poor outings this season and joined an elite fraternity of pitchers when he tossed a no-hitter against the White Sox in a 1-0 Minnesota Twins victory on Tuesday.

The left-hander, with a 9.13 earned run average and lowered it to 6.11, got some fine defensive plays and gave up six walks. But it was still a magical night for the Dominican starter who has had his ups and downs in a relatively short career.

I think he was speechless, Twins outfielder Denard Span said. I wouldn't say he wanted to cry, but you could just tell he was emotional, and you could tell he left everything out there.

Liriano, 27, needed 123 pitches and only had two strike outs to get the no-hitter. He is coming off a strong 2010 season where he pitched nearly 192 innings and had a 3.62 earned run average, and won the American League Comeback Player of the Year.

Liriano has already had a unique career. He was considered a can't miss prospect, and had an excellent 2006. However, he missed all of 2007 due to an elbow injury, and he then struggled to regain his form over the next two years.

Jason Kubel's fourth-inning home run was the only run of the game.

It was the first Twins' no-hitter in 12 years.