twins/mlb

FORT MYERS, FLA. - It wasn't a power show, but the Twins offense is starting to pick up.

After scoring eight runs Sunday, the Twins whipped the Florida Marlins 9-1 Monday behind an 18-hit attack at Hammond Stadium. Nine of those hits came in the first three innings off All-Star lefthander Dontrelle Willis.

There were a couple bloopers. Justin Morneau and Ken Harvey each hit bouncing balls that just got by the third baseman for doubles. A couple hits were against drawn-in infields.

But the Twins put the ball in play, moved runners over and used their speed.

Nick Punto and Torii Hunter each had three hits.

"We hit the ball all over the field," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We didn't crush the ball but there were a lot of nice swings."

LA VELLE E. NEAL III