Pelfrey continues to make strong impression with Tigers

LAKELAND, Fla. -- Miguel Cabrera hit his third homer of the spring and Mike Pelfrey pitched five scoreless innings for the second straight time to lead the Detroit Tigers past the St. Louis Cardinals 5-4 on Thursday.

JaCoby Jones and Nate Schierholtz also homered for the Tigers.

Pelfrey struck out three and allowed three hits in his fourth start of the spring. He lowered his ERA to 1.17.

"I feel good," said Pelfrey, who came to Detroit as a free agent after making 30 starts with Minnesota last season. "My goal was to come down here and build arm strength and endurance, but I am really not paying attention to the [shutout] streak. I just want to make the rotation."

The Tigers are set at the top of the rotation with Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and newcomer Jordan Zimmerman. The last two spots could go many ways, but Pelfrey and Daniel Norris are considered the leading candidates. Matt Boyd and Shane Greene, both established major league starters, are also in the mix.

The Cardinals' Thomas Pham returns to first base safely after a pick-off attempt during Thursday's spring training game against the Tigers in Lakeland, Florida.The Tigers won 5-4.

Pelfrey was 6-11 with a 4.26 ERA last season with the Twins.

Carlos Martinez started for the Cardinals and went 2 2/3 innings, allowing two earned runs while walking one.

"His changeup was good, his slider looked good, and when he can throw the change and the slider on a 3-2 count for strikes, he's going to be tough to hit," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "His slider is only getting better."

Running Redbirds

The Cardinals lead the majors in stolen bases this spring with 25 in 32 attempts. Tommy Pham stole his fourth base of the season. Charlie Pilson leads the team with five.

Up next

Cardinals right-hander Adam Wainwright will start his third game of the spring today against the Tigers in Jupiter.

Tigers: Matt Boyd will make his fourth start of the spring against the Cardinals. He is battling for the final spot in the crowded Tigers' rotation.