Pudge does well behind plate; Mock doesn't walk batters

Nationals catcher Ivan Rodriguez had a great game behind the plate in a 6-4 loss to the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium on Wednesday afternoon

In the first inning, with runners on first and second and one out, right-hander Garrett Mock struck out Nick Stavinoha, while Rodriguez picked off Felipe Lopez at second base to end the threat. 

Two innings later, Rodriguez threw out Lopez trying to steal second base. Mock was so impressed by what Rodriguez did during the game, Mock said, "That guy throws harder than me. It sounds like a helicopter flying over my ear."

Rodriguez said he wasn't throwing as hard as he should because it's early in Spring Training.

"I don't want to throw hard. I just want to get a good throw. I moved my feet very nice --  perfect. I put my feet in the right position."

* Mock pitched three innings and gave up two runs against the St. Louis. Overall, Mock has pitched five innings, allowing two runs on eight hits. The good news is, Mock hasn't walked a batter. 

The Nationals have made it clear to Mock that they want him to pitch to contact. Last year, Mock allowed 44 walks in 91 1/3 innings for Washington.

I've said it since day one: I'm not going to impress anybody by walking people," Mock said. "I'm not going to help the team by walking people. This is the time to challenge guys and see where my stuff is at. There is a time and a place to be smart."

* Closer Matt Capps pitched an inning against the Cardinals and gave up two runs. It marked the third consecutive game in which he gave up a run.

Capps said he is not concerned about giving up runs early in Spring Training. But Capps indicated that he is feeling a lot better on the mound. 

"I'm making some good pitches," Capps said after the game. "There was one pitch where I left the ball up -- the ground-rule double [to Allen Craig]. But with everything else, I was pretty pleased with. I was able to get the strikeout with a fastball down. I'm using all my pitches. I threw the ball where I wanted it to throw it. Everything feels good and I feel healthy."