Brian Duensing gets spot in Twins’ rotation

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — With a rotation spot secured, Brian Duensing tossed two scoreless innings Wednesday to lead the Minnesota Twins to a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Before the game, Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said Duensing, a former swingman, will open the season in the starting rotation. The left-hander then went out and gave up two hits and a walk, striking out two.

In the first inning, Ben Revere drew a leadoff walk from Pirates right-hander Ross Ohlendorf. Revere went to second on a passed ball and scored on Danny Valencia’s two-out double.

Valencia had another RBI double in the third. Luke Hughes hit a solo homer in the sixth off Pittsburgh closer Joel Hanrahan.

For the Pirates, Jose Tabata and Dusty Brown had RBI singles.

Ohlendorf pitched 1 2-3 innings, allowing one run and two hits. He walked one and struck out four.