Miami Marlins lose 1-2 to St. Louis Cardinals in a low scoring Spring Training game - MLB Update
Miami Marlins lose 1-2 even as their star shortstop Jose Reyes produces his first Spring Training homer against St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Florida on March 23, 2012 during their Grapefruit League contest.
A low scoring match ended up in a victory to Cardinals as other than Reyes none of the Marlins batters produced valuable hits. While most of innings finished off scoreless, it was second and eighth when both sides recorded their scores.
In terms of number of hits generated, Marlins were better. However it was an excessive base on balls awarded by their starter, Carlos Zambrano, that helped the Cardinals to a one run lead in the end.
Carlos Zambrano, expected of playing a major role for Marlins during the season, let them down largely. He threw for little more than four innings and apart from five hits he gave, the bigger issue that later sealed victory for Cardinals was the four walks
he allowed.
After the match, Zambrano acknowledged what went wrong with him and while finding solace from one strike-out he managed, he said he will make due adjustments prior to the start of season.
"The stuff wasn't there but I was able to get people out. I'm ready for the season," he said. "There are things I have to correct during the season and I will make the adjustment."
Barring him, all other pitchers from the Marlins including Gary Glover, Robert Ray and Mike Dunn did not concede any run. Glover pitched for over two innings. Closer Ray, while spending two innings on the mound, remained scoreless. Not just he allowed only
one hit, as he took two strike-outs as well.
Cardinals’ starter Adam Wainwright wreaked the bulk of the damage on Miami as he went without giving up a run in five innings. He recorded five strike-outs and allowed only one walk.
While most of Cardinals' batters were hitless, Matt Carpenter and Koyie Hill managed to complete one run for their side. They did well in compelling Zambrano in giving up walks.
As Spring Training almost done, the Marlins remain unsure of their opening day line-up, something they will look forward to work out as soon as possible. At the back of injuries of three important players, this is not going to be an easy task.
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