Polanco stars in 1-1 tie

The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. -- Placido Polanco had three hits and an RBI, lifting his spring training batting average above .400, as the St. Louis Cardinals tied the Los Angeles Dodgers 1-1 in 10 innings Sunday.

Polanco started at third base on Sunday, but it's still unknown where he will end up defensively in the Cardinals everyday lineup. Manager Tony La Russa is committed to playing Albert Pujols, last year's NL Rookie of the Year, at third.

But La Russa is equally committed to finding a place for Polanco, who hit .307 last season while playing several different positions.

"I put my best eight out there every day and usually Polanco is one of the best eight," La Russa said. "He's a good problem to have."

The Dodgers got their first look at reliever Guillermo Mota on Sunday, one day after acquiring the pitcher from Montreal. Mota struck out two and didn't allow a hit in one inning.

"The beauty of spring training is that you get to see players who normally you would only see written reports on," Dodger manager Jim Tracy said. "We acquired Mota yesterday and I was able to use him today."

Mota said he's just happy to be out of the Montreal organization.

"Now I know where I'll be playing next year," Mota said. "There was so much that was uncertain with Montreal. I'm looking forward to helping the Dodgers."

Cardinals starter Garrett Stephenson allowed one run on six hits in five innings, with a strikeout and two walks.

Andy Ashby allowed one run on four hits with a strikeout in five innings for Los Angeles.