Home Baseball C. Martinez, Grichuk Lead Cards Past Mets in Spring Tilt

C. Martinez, Grichuk Lead Cards Past Mets in Spring Tilt

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ST. LOUIS – Starting pitcher Carlos Martinez turned in a gem for his spring debut, and outfielder Randal Grichuk turned in a 4-RBI performance at the plate to help the Cardinals defeat the Mets 6-1 Wednesday at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, FL.

A 16-game winner for St. Louis a season ago, Martinez allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out one over 3 innings of work.

For Mike Matheny and the Cardinals, Wednesday may have been Martinez’ final spring start prior to the team’s season-opening series against the Chicago Cubs (April 2, 4-5). On Sunday, the right-hander will leave camp to join his native country the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Martinez feels ready and is excited about the opportunity to participate in the tournament.

“Mentally I feel prepared and I’m hoping I stay prepared physically,” Martinez told Glenn Sattell of MLB.com. “I’m looking forward to it.”

A strong start from Martinez was supported by early offense, as the Cardinals rattled Mets pitching for all 6 of their runs in the game over the first 3 innings. Leading the way was Randal Grichuk, who went 2-2 with an RBI double and a 3-run HR.

When talking about his long ball swing later on, Grichuk says he saw the pitch all the way.

“I saw the ball good,” Grichuk told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com (Mets). “This ballpark (Roger Dean Stadium) does present a different backdrop (than at Busch Stadium). But I saw it and had a good swing on it.”

A 9th inning Phillip Evans solo HR off of Austin Gomber provided the Mets with their only tally of the afternoon. St. Louis relievers allowed 7 combined hits, 3 Ks and one walk over the final 6 innings.

 

Worth Noting:

Cardinals RHP Luke Weaver recorded the first two outs in the 8th inning of Wednesday’s game against the Mets before departing with back spasms. Weaver is competing this spring for the final rotation spot with Michael Wacha.

Up Next: 

The Atlanta Braves will visit the Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium on Thursday afternoon (12:05 pm CT). Adam Wainwright is expected to make his first spring start.

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