Adams smokes a Smoker

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. _• Matt Adams, just one for 10 this spring, smoked a two-run homer _ off New York lefthander Josh Smoker _ in the fourth inning to provide the exhibition game’s first runs on Thursday. Interestingly, the drive was to the opposite field, left field, for the lefthanded-batting Adams, who is trying to fend off Brandon Moss to become the Cardinals’ starting first baseman.

Adams’ blast followed a walk to Stephen Piscotty, who then stole second. The Cardinals have stolen 13 bases in 16 attempts.

JAIME IN CHARGE

Jaime Garcia, who had surrendered two first-inning homers in his initial exhibition start this spring, was much more in command when he set down the National League…