Postcard from Cardinals spring training camp for Saturday, March 2, 2024
Result: Astros 7, Cardinals 1
Weather: 77 degrees, cloudy
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – In what might be close to becoming a trend for the Cardinals this spring, it was another tough day for the team’s offense on Saturday.
The Cardinals were held to just six hits in the loss to the Astros in West Palm Beach and for the ninth game this spring did not hit a home run, a span that now has risen to 303 at-bats.
After big offensive outbursts in split-squad games on the first day of the spring schedule, the Cardinals have scored a combined 12 runs in their last seven games.
Their road lineup included only three players likely to be in the lineup when the regular season begins – Brendan Donovan, Nolan Gorman and Masyn Winn – and they were a combined 1-of-7.
Here is how Saturday’s game broke down:
High: The Cardinals stole four bases in the game, two from Winn, after stealing a total of four bases in their first eight games.
Low: Wilking Rodriguez could only retire two of the six hitters he faced, giving up three runs on three hits and a walk that produced the final three Houston runs.
At the plate: The Cardinals’ only run scored when Victor Scott II tripled and came home on a groundout … Luken Baker just missed hitting the team’s first home run, doubling off the left-field wall in the fourth inning … The team was hitless in nine at-bats with a runner in scoring position.
On the mound: Zack Thompson retired the first eight batters he faced before giving up three consecutive hits in the third, producing the Astros’ first two runs … Keynan Middleton worked a perfect inning in relief and John King also tossed a scoreless inning, but had to pitch around two hits.
Worth noting: The Cardinals announced that all of their pre-arbitration players have signed contracts for this season, meaning the team did not have to renew any contracts … Lance Lynn worked three simulated innings in live batting practice on a backfield in Jupiter … Steven Matz is scheduled to make his first appearance of the spring in Tuesday’s game, pitching after starter Miles Mikolas … Brandon Crawford said he did have to give anything to Jose Fermin to get his familiar jersey number, 35, that he wore with the Giants. “I asked if he wanted anything for it and he said no,” Crawford said. Fermin switched to number 15.
Up next: Drew Rom will get the start on Sunday as the Cardinals play the Marlins in Jupiter.
Follow Rob Rains on Twitter @RobRains
