Result: Cardinals 3, Nationals 2
Weather: 79 degrees, sunny
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – One of the decisions the Cardinals need to make this spring is who will be the primary set-up reliever for closer Ryan Helsley, taking over the job from the departed Andrew Kittridge.
Ryan Fernandez is using his appearances to audition for the job, and so far it could not be going any better.
Fernandez worked his third inning of the spring on Saturday, striking out two, as the Cardinals got a walk-off win over the Nationals.
In his three innings, over three games, Fernandez has not allowed a hit, walked one and recorded six strikeouts.
A year ago Fernandez was an unknown to the Cardinals, having been selected in the Rule 5 draft from Boston. He ended up making the team and stayed on the roster all season.
“Last year being my first year trying to make a spot on the big-league roster, pretty nerve wracking,” Fernandez said. “This year I’m still fighting for a spot but it’s nice to know that I’m coming off a really good year in the big leagues so I have a little going in my favor.”
To get the assignment of pitching in the eighth inning this year would be “really cool,” Fernandez said. “I’d love to be able to fill that spot.”
Here is how Saturday’s game broke down:
High: Thomas Saggese singled with two outs and the bases loaded in the ninth inning to deliver the walk-off win.
Low: The Cardinals had only three hits before the ninth-inning rally, and now have a .193 team average through their first eight games.
At the plate: Willson Contreras hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning, a blast to dead center estimated at 453 feet … Victor Scott II was on base after drawing a walk and stealing his third base of the spring. Scott also had a bunt single in the sixth but was thrown out trying to steal second by former Cardinal Andrew Knizner … Nolan Gorman continued to struggle, going hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts. He is now 0-of-13 in five games with seven strikeouts.
On the mound: After Miles Mikolas gave up a two-run homer to Josh Bell in the first inning, he allowed only one hit over his next two innings … Gordon Graceffo, bidding for a spot in the bullpen, worked two scoreless innings with two strikeouts … Sem Robberse, who was ripped for nine runs in two-thirds of an inning in his first appearance, also had a two-inning appearance with no hits, one walk and one strikeout.
Worth noting: Former first-round pick Chase Davis became the first roster cut of the spring before Saturday’s game, being sent back to the minor-league camp. The outfielder played in three games, going 1-of-5. He is expected to begin the regular season at Double A Springfield. The move leaves 66 players in camp … Jose Barrero played right field for the first time this spring as the Cardinals continue to evaluate players for the final roster spot off their bench … Former Cardinals Paul DeJong was in Washington’s lineup along with Knizner as they try to secure a spot on the Nationals’ roster.
Up next: The Cardinals will play the Marlins for the third time this spring on Sunday, with Steven Matz making his second start. The team will then have its first of two days off this spring on Monday.
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