Wainwright struggles on mound in Cardinals' 7-4 win over Orioles

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) - St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright struggled on the mound, a day after signing a $15 million, four-year contract.

Wainwright allowed four earned runs and nine hits in 4 2-3 innings with a strikeout and a walk in the Cardinals’ 7-4 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Friday.

“It was just a weird day. I knew I could get outs on some off-speed stuff, but I wanted to use my fastball and didn’t do a good job of locating it,” said Wainwright, whose new contract includes a two-year option that could make the deal worth as much as $36 million.

Baltimore starter Jeremy Guthrie gave up four earned runs and eight hits in 4 2-3 innings in his first outing in nine days. He struck out five without a walk .

“I was a little rusty out there, but for the most part I threw strikes,” Guthrie said. “I had a tough time putting a couple guys away and that led to a couple hits, but not walking anybody was real good and getting ahead of guys, I was real happy about that.”

Orioles manager Dave Trembley expressed confidence in Guthrie’s talent.

“I’ve known Guthrie for a long time. You know what you’re going to get from him. His ability to throw strikes is very good, guys love that we have the ability to win games with him in there and his work ethic is off the chart,” Trembley said.

Guthrie is in competition with veteran pitcher Steve Trachsel for the top spot in the Orioles rotation. Trachsel stayed back in Fort Lauderdale to pitch in a simulated game.

Orioles first baseman Kelvin Millar left the game after he was hit in his left pinkie finger by a pitch from Cards reliever Jeff Springer. It affected his non-throwing hand.

Millar needed stitches, but said after the game that his finger isn’t broken.

“I tried to move it, and it was no sharp pain like a break,” he said.

Chad Bradford, who relieved Guthrie in the fifth inning, took the loss, allowing a two-run homer by Cards outfielder Ryan Ludwick.