(AP) -- Adam Wainwright limited Washington to one run in six strong innings and Matt Adams hit a three-run homer in the St. Louis Cardinals' 5-1 exhibition victory over the Nationals on Friday.
Facing mostly Washington backups, Wainwright took a shutout into the sixth inning and allowed only three hits in his second consecutive impressive start.
Jon Jay and Adams homered in a four-run first inning for the Cardinals. Nationals starter Dan Haren rebounded after that, allowing one earned run and two hits in the next four innings.
Haren, the right-hander who signed a one-year deal with the Nationals in the offseason, gave up five earned runs and six hits in five innings. He has a 5.79 ERA in four spring starts.
Wainwright had a rough start against the Nationals on March 2, but noticed he wasn't striding far enough toward home plate when a fan gave him a picture to sign as he left the parking lot.
The right-hander extended his stride about 6 inches and has regained his form in the past two outings.
The opening day starter has a 2.76 ERA in four spring starts.
Former pitcher Micah Owings went 2 for 2 as a left fielder for the Nationals. He's hitting .429.
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