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Ankiel, Greene homer to lead St. Louis to win


Ankiel, Greene homer to lead St. Louis to win
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Rick Ankiel and Khalil Greene each hit a two-run homer and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds 7-3 on Saturday.

Joel Pineiro allowed three runs, two earned, and three hits in seven innings for St. Louis. He only allowed one hit after the first inning and retired the last 14 batters he faced.

"He's in great shape. He's been working hard and he's pitched effectively," Cardinals manager Tony La Russa said.

Shane Robinson had two of the Redbirds' four hits and scored two runs. Memphis scored on a double steal and also got one on an error by Cardinals second baseman Skip Schumaker.

St. Louis swept two games from its top affiliate to complete its spring training. Albert Pujols had three hits and six RBIs in a 13-1 win on Friday. The reigning National League MVP was hitless in three at-bats Saturday.

The Cardinals pulled some of their starters midway through Saturday's game as they prepared for Monday afternoon's opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They also had some fun when third base coach Jose Oquendo pinch hit in the eighth and walked. The former St. Louis star got to third and heard some good-natured boos when he didn't try to score on David Freese's fly to right.

"I think we've practiced enough," La Russa said. "I think we're ready for Monday."

Ankiel went deep in the first inning after Schumaker led off the game with a walk. Greene connected with Ryan Ludwick aboard in the third.

Greene, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the San Diego Padres, had a strong spring.

"I think there's something to be said to getting in a groove and feeling like there is a base to work with," the shortstop said. "But once the season starts, it is a different ballgame."

Notes: Redbirds manager Chris Maloney batted in the ninth, grounding out to end the game. Pineiro is not slated to pitch in the Cardinals' opening series against the Pirates. Adam Wainwright will start on opening day, followed by Kyle Lohse, Todd Wellemeyer and Chris Carpenter.


Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: April 5, 2009

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