FORT MYERS, FLA. - After lasting only three innings in his previous outing, Twins lefthander Francisco Liriano stepped up Monday during a 4-3 victory over Pittsburgh.
Liriano's line wasn't sparkling -- he gave up three runs over six innings -- but he showed smoother mechanics and didn't overthrow to hitters. He walked no one and had four strikeouts Monday after walking three and striking out nine in only three innings Wednesday.
"It was as good as we have seen him down here," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Under control, which is what we have been waiting for."
Liriano will start Saturday at Toronto in the Twins' second game of the season, behind righthander Carl Pavano.
The rest of the rotation will go: righthander Nick Blackburn against Toronto on Sunday, righthander Scott Baker on Monday in first game of the Yankees series in New York, then lefthander Brian Duensing next Tuesday against the Yankees.
LA VELLE E. NEAL III
