McClellan, Hill turn in solid outings in duel for starting spot

JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals pitchers Kyle McClellan and Rich Hill, fighting for the same spot in the starting rotation, got off to a good start as St. Louis defeated Florida 7-4 on Sunday in exhibition action.

McClellan set the pace with a sharp three innings before Hill allowed a run in his two innings.

McClellan, a right-hander, allowed a hit and struck out four while throwing just 39 pitches. The left-handed Hill gave up two hits, including a solo home run by Brett Carroll, and struck out two.

"They both know that there is a spot open," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said. "They're not pitching for show. They're trying to be the guy."

Joe Mather drove in four runs on two hits, including a three-run double in the fourth inning off Andrew Miller, who allowed three runs on three hits and two walks.

Marlins starter Sean West walked three and gave up a hit in two innings.

McClellan, Hill and prospect Jaime Garcia are the candidates for the final spot in the rotation behind Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Brad Penny and Kyle Lohse. McClellan has been a staple of the Cardinals bullpen the last two years with a 3.73 ERA in 134 appearances.

"I feel like I've been preparing for this game for six months," McClellan said. "Now I've got four days to get ready for the next one. I know I'm going to be prepared physically and mentally."

McClellan has started 12 games, all in the minors, since 2005.

"What I'm going to try to focus on is making them hit the ball, making them put it in play and be aggressive," McClellan said.

"I worked hard this offseason to get here and I felt like it showed a little bit today. There's still a lot more pitches to throw and innings to throw. I just need to stay right where I'm at and keep building on each one."

Hill signed in January after having surgery in August to repair a tear in his shoulder cartilage. He was 3-3 with a 7.80 ERA in 14 appearances last season with the Orioles.

"The velocity is there," Hill said. "I think that's not going to be a problem."