The Cardinals have been playing some good baseball.  Even though the games don’t count, its the results that make this upcoming baseball season some hope for Cardinals fans following another strong outing from Chris Carpenter in their 6-3 win over Washington.

Carpenter tossed five innings allowing two unearned runs.  Carpenter has now gone 19 innings without giving up an earned run.  He also struck out six.  Despite giving up the two runs, Carpenter told stlcardinals.com , that this was his best outing of the season.

"There’s no question that the command and stuff that I had today were the best that I’ve had all spring, but I still need to get sharper. It’s progressing each time out. I’m getting more pitches and trying to get into a rhythm where I can get it consistent and execute pitches. Each time has gotten better and better."

Rick Ankiel had two more hits, he’s now batting .365.  As you’ll hear below, manager Tony LaRussa thinks Ankiel will become a more disciplined hitter this year.

Download/listen to Tony LaRussa (mp3)