Carpenter too much for the Tigers as Cardinals win, 9-4

Chris Carpenter was given a vote of confidence in his return to the mound from a hamstring injury: He was named the St. Louis Cardinals’ opening-day starter.

In his first outing since March 1, when he injured his left hamstring, Carpenter gave up three runs and six hits in four innings in a 9-4 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Tigers starter Phil Coke was rocked for seven runs in 3 2-3 innings and reliever Daniel Schlereth, battling for a spot at the end of the Tigers bullpen, allowed four consecutive walks and retired only one batter.