Result: Cardinals 6, Astros 4
Weather: 75 degrees, clear
By Rob Rains
JUPITER, Fla. – The Cardinals got a home run from one of their catchers of the present on Friday night and one from perhaps their catcher of the future.
Ivan Herrera hit a two-run homer just inside the left field foul pole and Leo Bernal, who is expected to be the primary catcher in Springfield this year, added a solo shot in the win over the Astros in the first night game of the spring.
The Cardinals also received 10 walks in the game, including one with the bases loaded, and had three stolen bases.
Here is how Friday night’s game broke down:
High: Herrera had his second consecutive two-hit game, adding a bloop double after his home run.
Low: Nolan Arenado was 0-of-3, striking out once and hitting into two double plays.
At the plate: Masyn Winn got his second hit of the spring and also walked twice and stole a base … Lars Nootbaar singled in a run and also walked twice … Victor Scott II drew a walk with the bases loaded but was hitless in his other three at-bats … Jose Fermin had an RBI single and walked twice while Alec Burleson also reached base three times on a single and two walks.
On the mound: Miles Mikolas became the first Cardinals starter to work four innings this spring, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk, striking out three … Ryan Fernandez pitched another perfect inning with two strikeouts. He has nine strikeouts in five scoreless innings this spring.
Worth noting: Pitching prospect Tink Hence was reassigned to the minor-league camp. Hence, likely headed to Memphis to begin the regular season, made two relief appearances this spring and made a favorable impression on manager Oli Marmol. “We talked about his conviction behind what gives him success,” Marmol said. “There was good feedback. He verbalized where he was in the process and it was good to hear.” … Pitchers Sem Robberse and Matt Svanson also were optioned to Memphis, leaving 54 players in camp … Three days after jamming his left knee in a game in West Palm Beach, Jordan Walker was taking dry swings and playing catch before Friday night’s game. “His progress is a little ahead of what I expected,” Marmol said.
Up next: Steven Matz will get the start on Saturday when the Cardinals play the Nationals in West Palm Beach.
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