Cards' Wacha makes first spring outing in victory over Twins

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Michael Wacha gave up one run over two innings in his first start of the exhibition season as the St. Louis Cardinals beat a Minnesota Twins' split squad 5-3 Tuesday.

A right-hander who led the Cardinals with 17 wins last season, Wacha allowed singles to Brian Dozier and Eduardo Escobar starting the first. Joe Mauer followed with a run-scoring, double-play grounder. Wacha gave up two hits in all.

"Everything I saw looked good," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "He had the velocity. He had the tilt. The changeup was a little hard early, and he got better as he went -- breaking ball was there and the cutter. Good outing for him."

Ricky Nolasco, competing for a spot in the Twins rotation, gave up three hits in three scoreless innings, struck out four and hit a batter,

Anthony Garcia hit the Cardinals' first home run of spring training, a two-run drive in the sixth against Logan Darnell.

Aledmys Diaz had four hits and two RBIs for the Cardinals.

"Took some good at-bats," Matheny said. "Came out swinging right from his first at-bat. Made some good adjustments. They tried to go soft on him and he still put together good at-bats. Overall, just a good day. I like what he's doing"

Starting time

Wacha threw 28 pitches. he had not pitched in a game since losing to the Chicago Cubs in the NL Division Series.

Trainer's room

Catcher Yadier Molina hit off a tee and could start today against the Marlins. Molina is expected to work behind the plate but not hit.

Up next

Right-hander Mike Leake is scheduled to make his first appearance of spring training today when the Cardinals host Miami.