Tomko silences Expos in Cards' shutout

VIERA, Fla. -- Brett Tomko allowed one hit in four innings Wednesday as the Cardinals defeated the Montreal Expos 1-0.

Tomko faced just two batters over the minimum, walking Wil Cordero and allowing a single to Vladimir Guerrero. He induced nine ground-ball outs and struck out two.

"I was known as a prolific fly-ball out pitcher last year," Tomko said. "I'm throwing a lot more sinkers now. It keeps the ball down. Everyone always talks about our defense. If it gets hit on the ground, it lets them do all the work, and it takes a lot off of me."

Five Cardinal pitchers combined for the shutout, with Gabe Molina getting a save.

Expos starter Zach Day pitched four innings, allowing a solo homer by Eduardo Perez leading off the second.

"I thought he pitched outstanding," Expos manager Frank Robinson said. "If you ask him, he'd probably say that pitch was a mistake. "

Noteworthy

Montreal agreed to one-year contracts with OF Peter Bergeron, RHP Jim Brower and C Brian Schneider.

Jose Vidro did not play for the Expos, but returned to Florida from Puerto Rico after going to see his wife and their newborn baby daughter.