Benes continues strong spring showing

JUPITER, Fla. -- Andy Benes' spring comeback remains on schedule.

In his third spring appearance Sunday, the St. Louis Cardinals' right-hander allowed one run in four innings in a 5-1 victory over the New York Mets. The only damage was a leadoff home run in the second inning by Jeromy Burnitz.

Benes, who had a 7.38 ERA last season and wasn't used after Aug. 30, has allowed three runs in 10 spring innings. He's among seven pitchers competing for five spots in the rotation.

"I'm either going to make the team or I'm not, and I'm not even thinking about the latter," Benes said. "If I wasn't interested in competing I wouldn't show up."

Burnitz got two of the Mets' hits off Benes, also doubling in the fourth.

Manager Tony La Russa was impressed with Benes' performance. "I thought he moved the ball around and mixed up his pitches."

La Russa didn't have much to say about the competition for roster spots, saying he simply wants everybody to stay healthy.

"I just hope a couple weeks from now we'll still be the same. That'll be good for us and we'll figure something out," he said.

Satoru Komiyama worked four innings for the Mets, giving up one run on four hits. In three spring starts, Komiyama, who will likely be used in middle relief, has allowed one run in nine innings.

So Taguchi, who is trying to become the third Japanese position player in the major leagues, got a rare spring day off, even though he has plenty of experience against Komiyama. For his career, Taguchi said he was 20-for-102 against Komiyama.

Mike Coolbaugh drove in two runs for the Cardinals. Tony Mota and Miguel Cairo each also had an RBI for St. Louis.

NOTES: Placido Polanco has experienced some tightness in his shoulder and his throwing will be limited for a few days. He played first base Saturday, not one of his many positions, so he wouldn't have to make any long throws...

Third baseman Albert Pujols, who was the designated hitter Saturday against the Astros after spraining his ankle on Thursday, is expected to return to the field today against the Braves in Orlando. He's progressed faster than expected. "He just earned himself a 2 1/2 hour bus trip," La Russa joked...

Matt Morris, a 22-game winner last year, makes his third spring start today.