NY METS 5, ST LOUIS 4

Dave Mlicki allowed two runs and three hits over four innings and Butch Huskey and Tim Spehr added solo homers as the New York Mets edged the St. Louis Cardinals, 5-4, in Jupiter, Florida.

Mlicki (1-0) walked three and struck out one and Turk Wendell notched the save despite surrendering a homer in the ninth to Brian Hunter. Spehr, in the chase for the starting catching duties with Todd Hundley shelved for the first half of the season, hit his third homer of the spring.

Hunter had a pair of solo blasts for the Cardinals, who managed just six hits.

Manny Aybar (0-1) took the loss, surrendering a run and two hits in two innings. St. Louis starter Kent Mercker allowed only a homer to Huskey in his three innings.