Result: Nationals 2, Cardinals 1
Weather: 76 degrees, partly cloudy
By Rob Rains
Nobody is happier than Masyn Winn that spring training statistics will not carry over when the regular season begins on Thursday.
Winn finished a very tough spring on Sunday with an 0-of-2 day, although he did draw a walk and scored the Cardinals only run in their final game in Florida.
Winn had only four hits in 50 at-bats and struck out 16 times, the most on the team.
Despite his poor spring, Winn will still be the starting shortstop when the regular season begins with a game against the Twins at Busch Stadium.
Here is how Sunday’s game broke down:
High: Before the game, Victor Scott II found out he will begin the season as the Cardinals’ starting center fielder.
Low: Jose Fermin also got the news that he did not make the opening-day roster and will begin the season in Memphis.
At the plate: Brendan Donovan drove in the Cardinals’ lone run with a single … Nolan Arenado had a single and walked in two plate appearances, ending the spring with a .195 average … Nolan Gorman was 0-of-3 and ended the spring with a .189 average while Jordan Walker also was hitless in three at-bats and finished the spring with a .161 average … Scott was 0-of-2, finishing with a .349 average.
On the mound: Erick Fedde, the projected number two starter, worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing one unearned run … Minor-leaguers combined to pitch the final 4 2/3 innings.
Worth noting: In setting their opening day roster, the Cardinals announced that Michael Siani will be their fourth outfielder and they will not carry a backup infielder as both Fermin and Jose Barrero were sent to Memphis … Donovan will be the backup shortstop although he did not get any work in games at the position this spring … On the pitching side, Matthew Liberatore was named the fifth starter with Steven Matz moving to the bullpen to begin the season. Matz is scheduled to return to starting as part of a six-man rotation in mid-April … Despite having a stellar spring, Michael McGreevy will start the season in Memphis.
Up next: The Cardinals will fly to Memphis on Monday to play an exhibition game against their Triple A team. Andre Pallante will be the starting pitcher. The team will be off on Tuesday and work out at Busch Stadium on Wednesday in advance of Thursday’s opener.
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