SAN FRANCISCO — Tim Lincecum needed a psychological boost. When he got it, his fastball command returned.

Lincecum struck out 12 in seven superb innings, helping the San Francisco Giants beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 Thursday.

“I wasn’t worried about what would happen when I threw pitches,” said the two-time Cy Young Award winner. “It was just confidence. Early in the game, when I was commanding the zone, I just opened my mind to be that much more confident.”

Miguel Tejada and Cody Ross drove in runs for the Giants, who won their second straight following a season-long five-game skid.

Michael Cuddyer extended his hitting streak to 12 games with three hits and RBI for Minnesota, which lost its second in a row after a season-best eight-game win streak. The Twins are 15-4 since their last losing rut.

Lincecum (6-6) rebounded from a rash of poor starts. He gave up three hits, walked two and never allowed a runner past second base.

“Even when I threw a bullpen I wanted to have belief in myself,” Lincecum said. “I wanted that to carry over into games. I was executing my pitches and believing in what I threw at the moment.”

Javier Lopez pitched the eighth and Brian Wilson got three outs, despite allowing his first run in 15 1-3 innings, for his 21st save in 23 chances.