Hernandez gets good reviews, shows versatility in first start

Brita Meng Outzen, AP

Minnesota Twins batter Jon Knott, right, hit a solo home run off Boston Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz in the third inning of a spring training baseball game at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla., Sunday, March 2, 2008.

Associated Press

Last update: March 2, 2008 - 7:42 PM

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TWINS 8, BOSTON 2

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - David Ortiz lined a first-inning double against Livan Hernandez on Sunday, and Mike Lowell drilled an 83-mile-per-hour fastball from Hernandez for a second-inning home run.

Overall, however, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire liked what he saw from Hernandez in his first outing of the spring.

The Twins defeated the Boston Red Sox 8-2 at City of Palms Park for their first victory in four Grapefruit League games.

Hernandez needed 42 pitches to get through two innings but didn't walk a batter and allowed just two hits against a potent Boston lineup.

"He's fun to watch," Gardenhire said. "He moves the ball around, changes speeds; we can all see that. He has a nice feel for the game. There wasn't much of a strain out there. He's not afraid to throw any pitch at any time, and that's kind of why we signed him, so that was kind of a refreshing day for a starter."

Hernandez said it's too early to determine how his velocity will be this season.

"I think it's going to be better than last year," he said. "Maybe three more games -- I'll let you know then."

JOE CHRISTENSEN

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