Opening day for the Cardinals isn’t until next Monday, when they host the Brewers, but the new Busch Stadium was christened on Tuesday, when the Class AAA Memphis Redbirds battled the Class AA Springfield Cardinals. Sidney Ponson got the start for Springfield and led them to a 5-3 win in front of 32,255 fans. Ponson allowed two runs in six innings.

The Springfield Cardinals will open their second season on Thursday at Hammons Field against the Arkansas Travelers.