BRADENTON, FLA. - Twins lefthander Brian Duensing is picking up where he left off last season.

Duensing held the Pirates to one unearned run on three hits over five innings Monday, lowering his ERA to 1.59, in the Twins' 4-1 victory over Pittsburgh at McKechnie Field.

Duensing said he made a mechanical adjustment that left him feeling like he did a "complete 180" from his previous start. Even that performance -- Wednesday against the Mets -- wasn't terrible, as Duensing gave up two runs over four innings and improved to 3-0 in five Grapefruit League outings.

"I felt like I had more balance with my finish and follow through," Duensing said. "That's been the biggest problem for me in the spring, but today was really good, and I got some more confidence back."

Duensing, who went 10-3 with a 2.62 ERA last year, is lined up to pitch the Twins' fourth game of the season, at Yankee Stadium. Manager Ron Gardenhire also was pleased with Duensing's performance Monday.

"I thought his location was outstanding," Gardenhire said. "He was moving the ball in and out, using both sides of the plate, had a great little breaking ball. He could flip it over just about any time he wanted to."

JOE CHRISTENSEN