Mulder fares better in second outing

JUPITER, Fla. -- Mark Mulder threw three strong innings, rebounding nicely from a disappointing spring training debut to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 9-7 win Tuesday over the Washington Nationals.

In his second start of the spring, Mulder allowed two runs and five hits in three innings, walking one and striking out three.

"I gave up a couple of runs but they were the only two bad pitches I made," Mulder said after the Cardinals' fourth straight win. "I felt much better. My delivery was better and I was locating the ball better."

It was a big improvement for Mulder, who lasted only one inning in his first spring training appearance against the Mets.

"I started using all my pitches today," Mulder said. "In my first start, I was getting behind, then I was picky. I wasn't going to do that this time. Today, I was going to throw my four-seamer down the middle and hey, if they hit it, so be it."

Mark Grudzielanek, brought in along with David Eckstein to form the Cardinals' new middle infield, had three hits. Eckstein reached base three times from the leadoff spot.

John Mabry, who sat out the past few days with a sore right elbow, had a pinch-hit home run.

Noteworthy

Cardinals left-hander Rick Ankiel is scheduled to pitch in a 'B' game today against Florida.