McKay's triple does damage vs. Beckett

JUPITER, Fla. -- Josh Beckett gave up four runs in the first inning, then dominated in the next three, as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Florida Marlins 5-2 Friday.

Cody McKay hit a three-run triple in the first against the World Series MVP, who also walked consecutive batters.

Beckett retired 10 of his last 11 batters, finishing by throwing called third strikes past Chris Widger and Luis Martinez.

Beckett pitched four scoreless innings Monday against the Expos in his previous start.

He blamed his early struggles on a flaw in his delivery from the stretch that caused him to pitch up in strike zone.

"It's a minor thing," Beckett said. "I knew I was doing it. I was mad, because I felt like I had good stuff, and it seemed like such a waste of time out there fighting myself. But that's what spring training is for."

Beckett didn't want to leave after four innings.

"I asked for another one because the first inning was so bad," he said. "I wanted to get my ERA down to 200.00."

McKay, fighting for a job as a backup catcher and third baseman, is the son of Cardinals first-base coach Dave McKay.

"Add up my other eight at-bats and I think they didn't roll that far," McKay said. "So, I was happy to hit one hard."

Cardinals starter Jason Simontacchi gave up two hits in three scoreless innings.

Simontacchi has won 20 games the last two years. He could be a long reliever this year.

"Versatility is a plus," manager Tony La Russa said. "We're going to need innings out of the bullpen early in the season. I always liked him because he's a good athlete."

Cardinals reliever Cal Eldred surrendered a two-run homer to Ryan Christenson in the ninth.