Marlins continue perfect spring start at Cards' expense

JUPITER, Fla. -- So far, the Florida Marlins are Joe Girardi's juggernauts.

Miguel Olivo and Reggie Abercrombie hit three-run homers Saturday, helping the unbeaten Marlins defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 9-0.

The Marlins began spring training under new manager Girardi with low expectations following an offseason payroll purge. But they're 4-0 this week, counting a victory over the University of Miami.

"The guys are doing the little things -- that's what I take out of it," Girardi said. "Guys are getting big hits in key situations. Their two-strike approach has been very good. And the pitchers are throwing strikes.

"You take the little things more than the wins."

In three games against major-league teams, the Marlins have outscored opponents 20-8. But veteran Lenny Harris wasn't ready to proclaim his club the new favorite in the NL East.

"It's too early yet," Harris said. "Three days doesn't make you a champion."

Prospect Abercrombie homered off the Sidney Ponson (0-1), making his first start for the Cardinals after signing a free-agent deal in December. Ponson struck out four in two innings but gave up three hits.

Olivo homered off Anthony Reyes. Prospect Jason Stokes went 3-for-3, including a two-run double.

Florida rookie left-hander Scott Olsen (1-0) allowed only one baserunner -- on a walk -- in two innings. Olsen, a candidate for the rotation this season, has recovered from elbow inflammation that sidelined him the second half of last season.

"My arm feels better now than it did at any point last year," he said. "It feels real live."

So Taguchi had two of the Cardinals' four hits.

Noteworthy

• Marlins minor-league C Brett Hayes underwent surgery on his left wrist and will miss the rest of spring training.