Twins leave Cards stranded in exhibition play

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Kevin Slowey struck out Albert Pujols with the bases loaded, and the Minnesota Twins beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 on Sunday.

Slowey, who went 12-11 with 3.99 ERA in his first full season in the big leagues, struck out five without walking a batter and gave up two runs and eight hits in six innings. He has a 2.21 spring ERA following five starts.

Slowey gave up a two-run homer to Cardinals outfielder Rick Ankiel in the fifth inning.

Cardinals starter Crhis Carpenter struck out seven, walked two and gave up four runs off seven hits in 4 2/3 innings.

"My command wasn't as good as I would have liked," Carpenter said. "As long as I'm healthy and I keep getting my pitch counts up, the stuff is there."

Carpenter had reconstructive elbow surgery in July 2007. He returned last season but made only three starts because of shoulder trouble that required arthroscopic surgery in September.

Twins left fielder Delmon Young hit an RBI double in the second inning, and center fielder Carlos Gomez followed that with a two-run double for a 3-0 lead.

Twins third baseman Brendan Harris scored on a groundout by Jason Kubel in the fifth for a 4-2 lead.

-- AP