Redbirds post second win over Yankees

~ Molina returns from WBC as Cards collect 5-2 victory.

JUPITER, Fla. -- Jeff Suppan was happy to welcome back Yadier Molina from the World Baseball Classic.

Suppan allowed two runs and six hits in 4 1/3 innings with Molina catching and the Cardinals' top catcher also went 2-for-3 in St. Louis' 5-2 win over the New York Yankees on Friday.

It was Suppan's second start with Molina behind the plate, who arrived last night from Puerto Rico after playing in the WBC. Molina caught all nine innings and five different Cardinals pitchers in his first game with the club since March 2.

"I felt good today," Suppan said. "It was nice to have Yadi back there. It is important for us as a battery. If he's going to be catching, we have to see each other.When you have your starter out there, you want to feel each other out and get on the same page."

Molina singled in So Taguchi in the eighth inning to tie the game at 2. John Gall gave St. Louis the lead with a sacrifice fly, and Hector Luna added a two-run single to make it 5-2.

New York starter Shawn Chacon worked 3 2/3 innings, giving up one run and five hits with two walks and three strikeouts. Deivi Cruz hit a solo home run off Chacon in the fourth.

"He struggled with his command today," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "He's usually a lot neater than he was today. He doesn't quit and that's the sign of great character."

Miguel Cairo went 2-for-4 for the Yankees, while catcher Kelly Stinnett was 2-for-3. Jason Giambi doubled in the fourth inning, setting up a sacrifice fly by Gary Sheffield that put the Yankees up 1-0.