Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Sunday, Feb. 25
Result: Cardinals 3, Astros 0
Weather: 73 degrees, sunny
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – If there is any doubt about Masyn Winn being ready to become the Cardinals’ shortstop this season, it concerns his offense.
At least as he made his spring training debut on Sunday, Winn tried to eliminate those worries.
Winn went 3-of-3, stole a base and also showed off his throwing arm as the Cardinals defeated the Astros in West Palm Beach.
Winn’s three hits, two singles and a double, accounted for almost half of the Cardinals’ total of eight hits.
In his introduction to the major leagues at the end of last season, Winn hit just .172 with a .230 on-base percentage in 37 games. The Cardinals believe this year he will hit closer to the .288 mark he recorded at Triple A Memphis last season.
Here is how Sunday’s game broke down:
High: Five Cardinals pitchers combined on a four-hit shutout.
Low: The Cardinals were just 3-of-17 with runners in scoring position.
At the plate: The Cardinals took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Victor Scott II walked and Winn singled before Alec Burleson delivered an RBI single … That was the only run of the game until they added two runs in the ninth, with Nick Raposo and Moises Gomez getting the RBIs … Scott had two walks and stole his first base of the spring … Jared Young had two hits, including a double.
On the mound: Drew Rom, Gordon Graceffo, Connor Thomas and Tink Hence each worked two innings. Hence recorded four strikeouts but also issued three walks and had to pitch out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth inning … Kyle Leahy finished off the shutout with a 1-2-3 ninth inning with two strikeouts.
Worth noting: The Cardinals scratched Tekoah Roby from his scheduled start on Monday because of back tightness. They expect to know more about his status in the next couple of days … Pitching coach Dusty Blake was wearing a boot on his left foot after suffering an injury when he missed a step in the Cardinals’ complex … Steven Matz threw his first live batting practice of the spring. He likely will have one more live session before being scheduled to pitch in a game.
Up next: With Roby scratched, Sem Robberse will get the start in Monday’s game against the Marlins. The Cardinals will be the visiting team in the game in Jupiter.
Follow Rob Rains on Twitter @RobRains
