Cards tie Marlins in spring opener

The St. Louis Cardinals were technically the home team, but it sure felt like a home game for the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla. The two squads tied 5-5. Picking up most of the runs for the Birds were Rick Ankiel (2-3, 2 RBI) and new 2nd baseman Skip Schumaker (2-4, 2 runs). Starting pitcher Blake Hawksworth pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and striking out two. Royce Ring, a lefty reliever who the Cards signed in the offseason, retired all four batters he faced, striking out two.

The Fish got on the board with a Hanley Ramirez two-run homer in the 6th, and knocked in 3 runs in the 8th. The Cardinals were up 5-2 in the 8th before invitee Fernando Salas blew the three run lead.

Overall, given the different lineup (Schumaker at 2nd, Joe Mather at 3rd) and the so-so pitching, today was a decent day, but not what the Cards hoped. I believe that the team will have better days – but then again, today’s only Day One of Spring Training.

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