The Cardinals wrapped up the Grapefruit League with a 3-1 loss to the Florida Marlins. Ryan Ludwick doubled, and David Freese had an RBI groundout for the the Cardinals’ only run. In his final Grapefruit League start, Brad Penny was solid, giving up two runs on seven hits in six innings while striking out three and walking one. Penny’s spring ERA was 5.40 through 26 2/3 innings, not the best, but at least he finished strong.
The Cardinals will travel to Minnesota to open the Twins’ new open-air ballpark, Target Field, as part of a two-game series today and tomorrow. There is a 70% chance for rain so today’s game could be delayed or cancelled. The first pitch is scheduled for 5:10 and former Twin, Kyle Lohse, who has a 4.29 ERA in 21 Grapefruit League innings will start. In his first five full seasons in Minnesota, Lohse went 49-52 with a 4.72 ERA.
