Stephenson makes his pitch

Right-hander has his best spring outing in quest for spot in starting rotation.

The Associated Press

JUPITER, Fla. -- Garrett Stephenson pitched six innings in his best start of the spring and the St. Louis Cardinals finally got some solid relief in a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday.

Stephenson pitched six innings for the first time this spring, allowing one run and five hits with four strikeouts.

"I could have gone seven if they had asked me to," he said. "I think I'm ready to start the season. I made a lot of good, quality pitches and didn't make a lot of mistakes. I made them hit the ball into our awesome defense. That was fun."

In six starts this spring, Stephenson has pitched 26 innings, allowing 26 hits and two walks, striking out 16. But he had given up seven runs over his previous three outings.

The Cardinals won for the first time since March 15 -- they had lost five and tied two since then. Often, the bullpen had blown sizable leads.

Rookie Kiko Calero pitched two hitless innings and Russ Springer closed it out in the ninth. Calero called back from the minor league camp Sunday, retired six consecutive batters after hitting the Dodgers' Joe Thurston.

"I was able to get my fastball and changeup over the plate, inside and outside," Calero said. "Yes, I was surprised to get called back and happy to have another chance. I felt very comfortable and I hope I can stay here this time."

He had three shutout innings in two relief appearances earlier this month after being sent to the minor league camp March 2.