Mulder sharp but Cards fit to be tied by Marlins

JUPITER, Fla. -- Mark Mulder had another strong start for the St. Louis Cardinals in their 2-2 tie with the Florida Marlins on Wednesday.

He allowed one run on four hits in four innings. He is 3-0 this spring with a 1.69 ERA.

"I think I'm where I want to be, especially physically," Mulder said. "I wasn't tired at all in the fourth inning. I didn't feel as good today as I did my first two starts, but I had a great curve ball today, throwing it for strikes."

Marlins right-hander Sergio Mitre was even better, allowing one run on two hits in five innings. Mitre struck out five batters and had no walks.

Mitre, traded to Florida from the Cubs for Juan Pierre, has a 1.80 ERA this spring. He is competing for a spot in the starting rotation.

"Everything has been going well," Mitre said. "It's up to the staff. If everyone is throwing the ball well, that's good for us, and it just makes a tougher decision for [the Marlins]."

Chris Duncan and Larry Bigbie had RBI singles for St. Louis.

Hanley Ramirez and Reggie Abercrombie had RBI hits for Florida.