(Best E Casino) - The new leaders of the American League's Central Division, the Minnesota Twins, hit the road for a week-long trip that begins with tonight's opener of a three-game series with the Seattle Mariners from Safeco Field.

Minnesota has moved past the struggling Chicago White Sox and into first place following Sunday's 6-2 home victory over Cleveland and yesterday's loss by the White Sox to Kansas City. The Twins, who have won seven times in their past nine games, enter tonight's play with a half-game edge on Chicago for the top spot.

The Twins received a boost from Francisco Liriano in the young lefty's first major league start since April. The hurler held the Indians scoreless on three hits over the first six innings to record his first win in the bigs since July 23, 2006.

Brendan Harris and Denard Span each had solo homers for Minnesota, which also received run-scoring triples from Nick Punto and Mike Lamb on the afternoon.

The Twins hope to remain atop the division despite having to leave the friendly confines of the Metrodome, where the club is a stellar 39-21 this season. Minnesota is just 23-28 in road games.

Following this series with the Mariners, the Twins will visit Kansas City for three games beginning Friday.

Glen Perkins gets the call for Minnesota in tonight's opener and will be vying to attempt his successful recent run. The rookie lefty has won six of his last seven decisions, including Tuesday's triumph over the rival White Sox, and the Twins are 7-2 over his nine most recent starts.

Perkins wasn't overly sharp against Chicago but received good offensive support in Minnesota's 6-5 victory at the Metrodome. He pitched the first six innings and allowed four runs on seven hits.

The 25-year-old will be facing Seattle for the first time tonight. Perkins is 3-1 with a 4.17 ERA in six road starts in 2008.

The lowly Mariners enter this evening's tilt on a rare winning note, as the AL West cellar-dwellers avoided a three-game sweep to Baltimore with Sunday's 8-4 decision. Seattle scored three times in the bottom of the seventh inning to break a 4-4 tie, with Raul Ibanez's two-run single the big hit.

Ibanez finished 2-for-3 with three RBI and Jeremy Reed knocked in two runs for the Mariners. J.J. Putz (3-4) tossed 1 1/3 scoreless innings to record the victory.

Fresh off an encouraging last start, Miguel Batista takes the mound for Seattle tonight. The struggling veteran threw a solid six innings at Texas on Wednesday, allowing three runs -- two earned -- on seven hits in a no- decision.

Performances like that have been few and far between for Batista this season. The 37-year-old has compiled a miserable 4-11 record and a 6.43 ERA while being shuffled through the rotation and the bullpen.

Batista is 2-1 with a 4.70 ERA in six lifetime games (4 starts) against Minnesota. He has yet to face the Twins this season.

Tonight's matchup marks the first 2008 meeting between the Twins and Mariners. Minnesota went 6-3 against Seattle last season and took five of the six games played at Safeco Field.