CINCINNATI, April 9 (UPI) -- Jake Westbrook hurled seven strong innings and the St. Louis Cardinals clubbed three first-inning homers Monday in their 7-1 win over Cincinnati.
Westbrook (1-0) surrendered only an unearned run on three hits while overcoming four walks and striking out two.
The right-hander was working on nine days rest while making his 2012 debut. He threw 55 of his 88 pitches for strikes.
David Freese launched a two-run shot in the first, while Matt Holliday and Yadier Molina (three RBI) also went deep in the frame for the Cards, who won for the fourth time in five games to start the season.
Reds starter Homer Bailey (0-1) was touched for four runs on six hits before being lifted after 5 2/3 innings.
The loss evened Cincinnati's record at 2-2.
