Steven Matz picked up right where he left off for his second start of the young season, tossing five scoreless innings this afternoon vs a Marlins lineup searching for anything.
Matz would work six up, six down to start things, punching out two in his half of the 2nd. I couldn’t tell ya what those pitches were since statcast was unavailable the first two and half innings, but just use your imagination.
Masyn Winn and Norm would turn a slick DP to end the top of the 3rd, something we will all be accustomed to very shortly, if we aren’t already. What a combo that will be all summer.
The Cardinals would get a pair of runs on the board in the bottom of the 4th, as Herrera got things started with an opposite field single to RF. Norm then drew a walk to bring up Jordan Walker, who doubled sharply down the 3B line to score Herrera. Walker was originally called out at 2B on the throw from De La Cruz, but the call was overturned as Walker had a nice swim move slide to avoid the tag. After reaching third on a fielder’s choice, Walker would jog home on an E1 pickoff attempt from Rogers trying to get Winn leaning off first, making it a 2-0 game.
The Cardinals added their final run in the next inning, as BDE would drop in his second double of the game. It was literally in the same exact spot as his first double, good for his fourth career two-double game. The Cardinals are now (4-0) in such games.
After Goldy moved him over with a groundout to the right side and an Arenado strikeout, Herrera would step in and do what he’s been doing. Herrera would smoke a ball deep in the hole between 3B/SS, beating it out for an infield single as Donovan scored to make it 3-0.
The pen would be tasked with holding the lead the final four innings, and they did their job yet again. Gio-JoJo-Kittredge-Helsley would work an inning a piece, respectively.
Kittredge the only one to give up a run, his first ER surrendered on the season. Arraez would double to RF and Bell would drive him in on the first pitch with a single to CF to make it a 3-1 game.
Helsley would come in to earn his third save, needing just six pitches to close it out.
The Cardinals look for the sweep tomorrow afternoon behind Kyle Gibson (1-0, 2.57). Gibson will be matched up against an exciting Max Meyer (0-0, 3.60). First pitch is scheduled for 1:15pm c/t.
Cheers, Stew
Photo from today game taken by https://twitter.com/Martinez_hooked