Cardinals Claim Win Over Braves, Cubs Win

Left-hander Marco Gonzales strengthened his bid for a spot in the St. Louis rotation by allowing one hit over four scoreless innings in the Cardinals' 6-2 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday.

Gonzales, who didn't give up a run over two innings in his first spring start, struck out three and walked one. The only hit off the 23-year-old was a two-out double by first baseman Freddie Freeman in the first inning.

"That was outstanding," Cardinals manager Mike Matheny said. "I think we saw all four of his pitches. "I was one of those days were he had everything working."

Gonzales was supposed to work three innings, but went back out for another inning because of a low pitch count. Of his 51 pitches, 38 were strikes.

Cubs Edge Dodgers, 4-3

Zack Greinke gave up two runs in his spring debut for the Dodgers, being outpitched by Jon Lester in Los Angeles' 4-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday. Greinke had been given a lubricating injection in his right elbow on Feb. 18. He allowed two hits and two walks in two innings.

"My stuff was just a little off -- OK for the first start," Greinke said. "I missed a lot by just an inch or so off the plate."

But he said his elbow feels fine and should be ready for his next start in five days.

Lester pitched three-hit ball for three shutout innings. He struck out two in the Cubs first win of the spring.

White Sox 4, Rangers 4

Opening day is less than four weeks away and the Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox are being forced to rethink their rotations because of injured aces. The Rangers could be without Yu Darvish for the season if he needs elbow surgery. Chicago's Chris Sale is recovering from a broken foot and won't be ready for opening day. Both managers talked starting pitching after the teams tied 4-4 Wednesday.

Darvish could be headed for Tommy John surgery. While two doctors recommended the operation that could keep the Japanese star out for 12-18 months, Darvish awaits a consultation with Dr. James Andrews.

Manager Jeff Banister also said Greg Holland is likely out for opening day. Holland, who missed most of last season after knee surgery, has been slowed this spring by left shoulder soreness. He could be back for the home opener four nights later.

Wednesday, March 11 Scoreboard

Toronto 5, at Baltimore 2

Tampa Bay 5, at Minnesota 2

Boston 10, at NY Yankees 6

St. Louis 6, at Atlanta 2

Washington 9, Detroit 2

Philadelphia 3, Pittsburgh 2

Miami 7, NY Mets 4

Chicago White Sox 4, Texas 4

Kansas City 4, San Diego 3

Oakland 3, Cleveland 2

Colorado 4, at Seattle 1

Chicago Cubs 4, LA Dodgers 3

Kansas City 5, at Cincinnati 2

Milwaukee 6, at San Francisco 3

Arizona 6, LA Angels 5

Thursday, March 12 Schedule (All Times Central)

Philadelphia at Detroit, 12:05 p.m.

Miami at Minnesota, 12:05 p.m.

Detroit at Houston, 12:05 p.m.

Boston at Pittsburgh, 12:05 p.m.

Baltimore at St. Louis, 12:05 p.m.

Toronto at Tampa Bay, 12:05 p.m.

Washington at NY Mets, 12:10 p.m.

Seattle at Oakland, 2:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Cleveland, 3:05 p.m.

Colorado at Milwaukee, 3:05 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Texas, 3:05 p.m.

Chicago Cubs at LA Angels, 3:10 p.m.

Cincinnati at Arizona, 4:10 p.m.

San Francisco at Chicago White Sox, 6:05 p.m.

Atlanta at NY Yankees, 6:05 p.m.

LA Dodgers at San Diego, 8:15 p.m.