FORT MYERS, FLA. -- Francisco Liriano fanned five batters and held the Rays to one hit over three innings, but Tampa Bay finally pushed across a run in the ninth for a 1-0 victory at Hammond Stadium.
Postgame: Liriano has one of his best spring outings in years, but Twins lose
The lefthander had five strikeouts and no walks in three scoreless innings, but the Rays got a run in the ninth.
March 9, 2012 at 12:49AM
Liriano said it's one of the best spring training outings he's had in years.
"Yeah, last year I came in with the shoulder problem," he said. "This year I played winter ball, and I think I got myself ready for spring. I've been getting better at locating my fastball."
Pitching coach Rick Anderson was impressed because of Liriano's 34 pitches, only four were sliders.
Denard Span went 1-for-2 with a walk and two stolen bases. Joe Mauer lined out and struck out in his two at-bats, but threw out Desmond Jennings at second base on a stolen base attempt.
Justin Morneau was 0-for-3, and Josh Willingham went 1-for-3. We'll have more on this game in tonight's first editions.
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