ST. LOUIS – The Cardinals recorded 10 runs over the final four frames of Monday night’s comeback win against the Astros, a 12-6 decision from The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL.
It was not smooth sailing for St. Louis early. Cardinal starter Mike Leake labored through 5 innings of work against Houston, coughing up 5 hits and 4 runs while striking out 3. Despite control issues in Monday’s night’s 77-pitch performance, Leake chalked it up to mechanics, something he’s still working on ahead of the regular season.
“I’m not concerned at all. As I fine tune, I think it will go back to normal,” Leake told Glenn Sattell of MLB.com
Jake Marisnick highlighted a 3-run third inning for the Astros, part of 4 unanswered runs in the first three innings.
There to answer immediately in the top half of the fourth was the hottest hitting Cardinal of spring training. Jose Martinez launched home run number 4 to left field off of Astro starter Joe Musgrave, plating Stephen Piscotty and closing the deficit to 2. Martinez continued a strong bid for a roster spot by finishing 2 for 3, driving in 3 runs and walking twice.
As it turned out, the Cardinals were only getting started offensively. At least 2 runs crossed the plate in each of the final 4 innings for St. Louis. Greg Garcia achieved the rare inside-the-park home run in the 8th inning, part of his 2 for 3, 3 RBI showing on the night.
Jose Garcia and Paul DeJong set the table for a 4-run top of the 9th for the Cardinals, who picked up win number 14 of Grapefruit League action.
Worth Noting:
- In his only at bat of the night, Tommy Pham delivered a pinch hit, 2-RBI triple in the 9th inning.
- Right-hander Trevor Rosenthal earned the win for St. Louis on Monday night, pitching 3 innings of relief. Rosenthal sat down 5 Astros via the strikeout and walked one, allowing no runs on 2 hits.
Up Next:
- The Cardinals will take the day off today before welcoming the Washington Nationals to Roger Dean Stadium on Wednesday (12:05 pm CT start). Carlos Martinez will make his second start for St. Louis after returning from the World Baseball Classic.
