Eckstein extends hot streak

JUPITER, Fla. -- David Eckstein can hardly wait for his first regular-season game with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Eckstein had a hit and two walks Thursday to raise his spring average to .416.

Rick Ankiel had his first hit since giving up on pitching and trying to make it as an outfielder, and the Cardinals beat the Nationals 5-1.

"Spring training is a little too long. I'm ready to go," said Eckstein, who has reached base 24 times in 36 at-bats. "I've been working real hard this spring, focusing on fouling off the tough pitches."

St. Louis signed Eckstein to a free-agent contract after Gold Glove shortstop Edgar Renteria signed with Boston during the offseason.

The 5-foot-7, 165-pound Eckstein started two double plays against the Nationals.

Mark Mulder, another new addition to the Cardinals, pitched five scoreless innings, allowing only four hits and striking out five.

"I never feel good in my first couple of starts," Mulder said. "But then I reach a comfort zone. Now, I'll start focusing on how to approach the hitters."

Tomo Ohka gave up six hits and two runs for Washington.

Reserve catcher Edina Diaz, Albert Pujols and Scott Rolen all had two hits for St. Louis.

Pinch-hitter Ankiel doubled in the eighth, much to the delight of the crowd.

Cardinals closer Jason Isringhausen, who allowed two runs in his last outing, pitched a perfect ninth, striking out two. He followed left-handers Bill Pulsipher and Mike Myers, each of whom pitched a scoreless inning.