Kelly pitches 2 hitless innings for Cards

By: Associated Press

Posted: Fri 4:50 PM, Mar 01, 2013

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (AP) - Joe Kelly opened his bid for a spot in the St. Louis Cardinals' starting rotation with two hitless innings, and Adron Chambers hit a three-run homer in Friday's 8-8 tie against the Houston Astros.

Among three candidates to replace the injured Chris Carpenter in the Cards' rotation, Kelly walked one hitter in each inning.

Daniel Descalso and Pete Kozma had two hits and drove in two runs each for the Cardinals, who have won five straight.

Chris Carter homered for the Astros, a fifth-inning drive off closer Jason Motte. Brandon Barnes and Brandon Lair also homered for Houston.

Houston starter Bud Norris struck out one and walked one in three innings, allowing Descalso's two-run single in the second.

With Houston trailing by two runs in the ninth, Brandon Laird homered off Victor Marte leading off and Rene Garcia singled with one out. After a throwing error by shortstop Ryan Jackson, pinch-runner Delino DeShields scored on Marte's wild pitch.

Blackhawks beat Bruins 6-5 in OT, even series 2-2

We ask that the following Community Standards be followed:

Comments must not be profane or vulgar.

Comments must not use hate speech, racial slurs, or violent descriptions.

We encourage varying views to be shared. We do ask commenters to not personally attack other readers, groups, people featured in our stories, or other posters for disagreeing with their views.

Comments must not contain negative, comparative debates between community standards of cities or towns.

Comments must contribute to the discussion, flaming and/or trolling will not be tolerated.

Comments must be truthful and not intentionally falsified. Providing a source link is encouraged.

If you find that a comment violates the above rules, please use the flagging option located to the right of the comment to notify the moderators.
For a complete list of guidelines, please follow this link:
http://www.kbtx.com/home/misc/Online-Commenting-Policy-181579421.html