JUPITER, FLA. (AP) -- Cardinals right-hander Anthony Reyes thought a strong performance Thursday against the New York Mets was because of hard work in the offseason.
Reyes threw 30 pitches in a 7-0 victory over the Mets, 23 for strikes. He allowed two singles and did not walk a batter in three innings.
Outfielder Skip Schumaker led the Cardinals with three hits and former two-time American League MVP Juan Gonzalez had two hits.
Gonzalez was the designated hitter. He is looking for a spot on the club as a pinch-hitter and reserve outfielder.
But the most encouraging news in Jupiter, Florida, was on Reyes, who was 2-14 last season and is 8-23 in 43 big league outings.
He said he worked hard in the offseason, and is starting to feel like he used to when he throws.
(Copyright ©2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
