Ankiel Strong in Debut

Rick Ankiel allowed just three hits and three walks in five innings of work on Sunday, leading the St. Louis Cardinals to a 9-4 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks. The victory completes a three-game weekend sweep for the Redbirds. Ankiel struck out eight in his first start of the 2001 season, and he did not throw a wild pitch. At the plate, Edgar Renteria, Eli Marrero and Mike Matheny all homered off Diamondbacks ace Randy Johnson. Johnson allowed nine runs on 11 hits in 5 1/3 innings of work. The Cardinals play their home opener this afternoon against the Colorado Rockies.