Shields, Tampa Bay too strong for Twins

Last update: March 12, 2008 - 6:57 AM

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TAMPA BAY 7, TWINS 1

Up next: 12:05 p.m. today vs. Boston • Radio: 1500-AM

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FORT MYERS, FLA. - With Scott Kazmir injured, James Shields is on schedule to make Tampa Bay's Opening Day start, and Shields tuned up with five scoreless innings Tuesday in a 7-1 victory over the Twins.

Top prospect Evan Longoria hit a home run off Twins reliever Juan Rincon, one of three Tampa Bay homers on the day, as the Twins lost for the second time in 10 games.

Livan Hernandez took the loss after giving up two runs on three hits in four innings. In his third spring start, Hernandez (1-1) lowered his ERA from 10.80 to 8.00.

"He's a veteran, and he's just trying to get his arm into shape," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "We just watch him go about his business. He knows what he's got to do."

Glen Perkins gave up two runs in two innings of relief, including a sixth-inning homer to Dioner Navarro.

Lefthander Mariano Gomez also gave up his third home run of the spring, a two-run shot by Elliot Johnson.

JOE CHRISTENSEN