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(AP) -- David Freese homered in his first game in a week and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the New York Mets 3-2 Thursday.
 
Freese had been out since March 14 with back stiffness stemming from a hard fall he took while chasing a foul ball.

The 2011 World Series MVP hit a leadoff home run in the fourth and played five innings in the field.
 
Mets infielder Justin Turner got a hit in his return from a sprained ankle.

He had a pinch-hit single in the sixth, then went from first to third on hit.
 
Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright gave up two runs on three hits, including a two-run triple by Matt den Dekker, in 4 2-3 innings. He struck out three and walked three.
 
Mets starter Jeremy Hefner allowed two runs on five hits with three walks in five innings. Bobby Parnell pitched a perfect inning.

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