Wigginton makes an impression as Mets fall to Cardinals

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Ty Wigginton got off to a quick start in his bid to become the New York Mets' third baseman.

Wigginton hit an RBI single in the first inning and a solo homer in the third as the Mets opened the exhibition season Thursday with a 6-3 loss to the Cardinals.

"It definitely feels good to get off to a start in spring training but it's game one," Wigginton said. "Spring training is still another month, so I guess it doesn't mean all that much."

Following the departure of Edgardo Alfonzo and New York's failure to sign a starting third baseman, Wigginton became the leading contender to win the job.

Wigginton was happier with the single than the homer.

"That was the one that really counted, the guy was in scoring position and that's where you really want to come through," Wigginton said.

Fernando Vina doubled twice and the Cardinals took advantage of Aaron Heilman's balk.

The tie-breaker

With the score 2-all in the fifth, Heilman hit pinch-hitter Kerry Robinson with a pitch, then balked him to second.

"I had a lapse there for a second and then forgot about it," Heilman said. "I left some changeups up that got hit."

Vina and Jim Edmonds followed with RBI doubles, and Edmonds scored on Albert Pujois' single.

Cliff Floyd and Rey Sanchez had two hits each for New York, and pinch-hitter Russ Johnson drove in the Mets' final run in the fifth.

"I was really pleased with the way the lineup swung the bats today," Mets manager Art Howe said. "We hit the ball awfully hard and had some great at-bats."

New York pitchers hit four batters.

"Command was a big problem," Howe said. "Obviously we have to iron that out."

Pedro Astacio allowed two runs and three hits, throwing 42 pitches. Cardinals starter Garrett Stephenson gave up one run and five hits in two innings.