BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) _ Johnny Estrada had a two-run homer in a five-run first inning against ailing Pittsburgh starter Francisco Cordova and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Pirates 11-6 Wednesday.

Estrada, the Phillies' top catching prospect, was 4-for-4 with a double and four RBIs as Philadelphia opened an 8-1 lead after three innings and an 11-2 lead after six.

Pat Burrell went 4-for-4 with three RBIs and a two-run double in the first off Cordova, who may have reinjured his surgically repaired right elbow during a five-run first. It was only his second appearance this spring.

Cordova, who had season-ending elbow surgery in August, said he ``was a little sore'' after pitching only one of his two scheduled innings. He had a cortisone shot and will have X-rays Thursday morning, with the strong possibility he may need more surgery.

The right-handed Cordova likely would miss the season if he needs another elbow operation.

``He said it didn't feel good,'' manager Lloyd McClendon said. ``But we were prepared for the worst coming into spring training. We'll do what we'll have to do.''

Pirates right-hander Jason Schmidt, who had in-season rotator cuff surgery last year, still isn't pitching because of a strained muscle near his right rib cage. He will be evaluated in 5-7 days and probably won't be ready for opening day.

Because of the Pirates' pitching shortage, left-hander Terry Mulholland will start Thursday against Cleveland and may be in the rotation once the season starts. He was signed to be a middle reliever.

The Phillies had 17 hits off five pitchers, with Doug Glanville going 3-for-4 with two doubles and Scott Rolen adding an RBI double.

Estrada probably will start the season at Triple-A, but clearly has a future in Philadelphia.

``I'll tell you, he's something,'' manager Larry Bowa said.

Cliff Politte, the frontrunner to be the Phillies' No. 5 starter, had a successful initial start, limiting the Pirates to a run on four hits over four innings.

``I was looking at it like it was my first start in camp,'' said Politte, a 54th-round draft pick. ``I never thought of it as a big outing. I just wanted to have a good outing. I want that (starting) role and I think I opened their eyes a little bit.''

Notes: The Phillies made up Tuesday's rainout by playing a ``B'' game against Toronto, winning 8-5 in 12 innings. Phillies starter Randy Wolf allowed nine hits and two runs in five innings. Gary Bennett, competing to be starting catcher Mike Lieberthal's backup, had a two-run double in his first game this spring. He had been sidelined with a rib cage injury. ... Jose Mesa and Ricky Bottalico, competing to be the Phillies' closer, also had rough outings. Mesa allowed a double to Pirates rookie Jack Wilson while giving up two hits and a run in an inning. Bottalico allowed a two-run homer in the B game. ... Pirates infielder Mike Benjamin, who hasn't played in an exhibition game yet due to back soreness, got 10 at-bats in a minor league game. He could play this weekend in the Pirates' two games in Mexico City. ... Phillies pitcher Rheal Cormier, bothered this spring by back spasms, will pitch a Triple-A game Thursday against Toronto.