Cardinals lefty Jaime Garcia gave up just one run while striking out seven in six innings and got a no-decision in the Cards’ final spring training game with a 4-2 loss.
Garcia was dominant early, retiring the first nine Marlins’ he faced. The lefty struck out the side in order in the second inning, and had a string of four consecutive strikeouts. He also struck out five through three innings.
Colby Rasmus hit his third home run of the spring to give the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. Florida came back in the 8th inning against Mitchell Boggs. Brett Hayes drew a walk and Greg Dobbs followed with a single. Scott Cousins doubled home Hayes and move Dobbs to third and scored on a bases loaded walk. A sac fly added the insurance run that Florida needed.
St. Louis wrapped up its Grapefruit League schedule with a 15-16-1 record. Next is the season opener on Thursday against the Padres at Busch Stadium. Chris Carpenter takes the mound for the Cardinals, and San Diego is going with Tim Stauffer
