JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright struggled with his focus in his first start since last April and Matt Holliday made his professional debut at first base Monday as St. Louis beat a New York Mets split squad 9-4.

Wainwright walked three in two scoreless innings. He gave up two hits and struck out two.

Wainwright tore his Achilles tendon while running out of the batter’s box on April 25. He returned from the disabled list late last season but only pitched in relief. By making his first Grapefruit League start in this game, he’s on pace to pitch the opener on April 3.

Holliday made his spring debut and neatly blocked a pickoff throw from Wainwright that bounced. The veteran left fielder spent the early part of camp learning to play first base, though the Cardinals don’t expect to use him much there this year.

Mets starter Steven Matz breezed through the first two innings before allowing a run in the third. He struck out the side in the second on only 12 pitches.