CARDINALS 4, BRAVES 2
at Jupiter, Fla.
Monday, March 17

Braves at the plate: Martin Prado singled, doubled and scored a run while Javy Lopez singled and walked. Mike Hampton successfully put down two sacrifices, including one that helped set up Atlanta's first run.

Cardinals at the plate: Rick Ankiel smacked a two-run double in the sixth to put St. Louis ahead. Ryan Ludwick walked twice and scored a run and Joe Mather stroked an RBI double. Aaron Miles delivered an RBI single.

Braves on the mound: Hampton was exceptional for four innings before winding down a bit in the fifth. He still finished with just one run on two hits, three strikeouts and three walks over 4 1/3 innings. Blaine Boyer was touched for a pair of runs in the sixth, taking the loss.

Cardinals on the mound: Anthony Reyes pitched four shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking one and striking out two. Russ Springer pitched a perfect sixth.

Grapefruit League records: Braves 11-8; Cardinals 9-10.

Up next for Braves: Jo-Jo Reyes will be looking to throw strikes when he takes the mound against the Astros in Kissimmee, Fla., on Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. ET. Reyes has allowed seven earned runs, struck out seven and walked seven in seven Spring Training innings. The Braves are off Tuesday.

Up next for Cardinals: After a day off Tuesday, the Cardinals return to action against the Orioles on Wednesday at 1:05 p.m. ET in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. For the first time in his career, Brad Thompson will start a Grapefruit League game, and he'll need to make an impression. Time is running out for him to state his case in the competition for the last spot in the Cardinals' rotation.