JUPITER, Fla. — Result: Cardinals 1, Marlins 1 (9 innings)
One of the aspects of the games early in spring training that Cardinals’ manager Oli Marmol enjoys is watching the team’s young pitchers, especially those likely headed back to the minor leagues when the regular season begins.
For the second day in a row, Marmol liked what he saw on Monday.
Five pitchers expected to begin the year in the minors combined for eight scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, as the Cardinals and Marlins played to a 1-1 tie.
A day earlier, Marmol watched four other pitching prospects combine for seven scoreless innings in the game against the Astros.
“Before camp started, just on paper we have more depth than we’ve had in a while and then you start seeing some of the sides and the lives and it’s pretty evident that that’s the case,” Marmol said. “I feel pretty good about what we have below and what’s coming. It’s definitely an upgrade from where we’ve been.”
Here is how Monday’s game broke down:
High: One of the young pitchers, former first-round pick Cooper Hjerpe recorded four strikeouts and didn’t allow a hit in his two-inning appearance.
Low: After going 3-of-17 with runners in scoring position on Sunday the Cardinals went 1-of-9 against the Marlins.
At the plate: The Cardinals’ only run came on an RBI single by Ivan Herrera, one of their nine hits and the only one with a runner in scoring position … Nolan Arenado doubled and Paul Goldschmidt had a single, his first hit of the spring … Dylan Carlson was hitless in three at-bats, striking out twice.
On the mound: Sem Robberse, one of the prospects acquired from the Blue Jays in the Jordan Hicks trade, started and allowed just one hit in two innings with one walk and two strikeouts … The only Miami run came against Giovanny Gallegos, who walked two and gave up a hit in his inning of work … The other minor leaguers who each worked a shutout inning were Matt Svanson, Ryan Loutos and Trent Baker.
Worth noting: The Cardinals are finalizing a contract with free agent shortstop Brandon Crawford, according to multiple media reports. Crawford, 37, has spent his entire 13-year career with the Giants. He would provide insurance at the position behind rookie Masyn Winn and Tommy Edman, projected to be the team’s center fielder, but who is still recovering from off-season wrist surgery … Matt Carpenter was scheduled to play first base on Monday but was scratched after taking some pre-game at-bats. He has a contusion on his left wrist, the result of being hit by a pitch on Saturday. His status was listed as day-to-day … Lance Lynn had his second session throwing live batting practice and likely will do that one more time before he is scheduled to make his spring debut.
Up next: Sonny Gray is set to make his first appearance for the Cardinals on Tuesday when they host the Boston Red Sox. He is expected to work two innings.
Follow Rob Rains on Twitter @RobRains
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