PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Cardinals pitcher Lancy Lynn allowed four runs as St. Louis played the New York Mets to a 6-6 tie in 10 innings Saturday.

It was the first start for Lynn since it was announced that Chris Carpenter would be out indefinitely due to a nerve issue that has caused discomfort and weakness in his pitching shoulder.

Lynn, who is expected to take Carpenter's spot in the rotation, gave up three hits and walked two. He also had one strikeout.

Lynn gave up two home runs, including a three-run shot by Mets first baseman Ike Davis in the first inning.

"A little cutter that didn't cut," Lynn said. "You tip your cap to him. He made a pretty good swing on it. As you look at the day, I gave up three hits and four runs. I've got to keep the ball down a little bit more. That's something to look forward going into the next outing, to make sure I keep working on the pitches I'm doing and make sure I'm using the pitches I need to do."

Lynn said he's been approaching the entire spring as if he would be a starter. He appeared in 18 games for the Cardinals last season -- 16 as a reliever.

"I was committed to it, but you were hoping for the best for Carp," he said. "For us to be as good as we can be, we need Carp to be back as healthy as he can be and doing what he's capable of. While he's out I'm going to do the best I can to pick up the slack."

Cardinals center fielder John Jay and third baseman Daniel Descalso each had two-run hits off Mets starter Mike Pelfrey in the third inning. Jay finished 2 for 3 with a double and a run scored.

Pelfrey allowed eight hits and five runs.