FORT MYERS, FLA. - Brian Duensing usually ignores weather conditions, but he couldn't help but notice that a stiff wind was blowing out to dead center field Sunday.

"It did make me nervous," Duensing said.

It was a nonfactor, as Duesing kept the ball down and eased through three innings in his second outing of spring training. He gave up two hits and struck out a batter as he's thrown five scoreless innings so far.

His teammates followed suit as the Twins beat Baltimore 3-0 on four hits, three walks and four strikeouts.

"I did throw some ground balls," Duensing said. "This is how I have to get people out. If I start giving up fly balls, that means they are going a long way."

It was Duensing's first start after Twins manager Ron Gardenhire announced that he was a lock for the starting rotation. Duensing, who came out of the bullpen during each of the past two seasons to revive the rotation, worked on his fastball and changeup Sunday and will mix in breaking balls in his next outing.

Duensing said he felt as if he got into his midseason mindframe.

"I like the way Duensing throws the ball," Gardenhire said. "He doesn't mess around. I think you all see he pace of the game goes really good when Duensing is in the ballgame. He's throwing strikes and moving he game along."

LA VELLE E. NEAL III