K-Rod perfect in spring debut, Penny hit in elbow

[March 16, 2010]  PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) -- St. Louis starter Brad Penny absorbed a line drive off his pitching elbow and Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was perfect in his spring debut Monday during New York's 6-5 win over the Cardinals.

Penny stuck up his right elbow to block a liner off the bat of Jason Bay in the first inning. After a few practice tosses, Penny stayed in the game. He gave up three runs and six hits in 3 2-3 innings.

Angel Pagan hit a game-ending, two-run homer. He connected in his first at-bat of the game, sending a drive over the center-field wall.

Rodriguez had missed more than two weeks because of conjunctivitis. His eye problem cleared up, and he retired the Cardinals on seven pitches in the ninth inning.

[Associated Press]

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