Cardinals spoil Marlins opener 4-1

The defending World Series Champions started the 2012 season just like they finished 2011, with a win. The Cards spoiled the Marlins home opener despite all the fluff and pageantry that took place on the field prior to the game. World Series hero David Freese plated two runs in the top of the first inning with a single off Josh Johnson and the Cardinals never looked back.

Journeyman starter Kyle Lohse held the new-look Marlins hitless for the first six innings of the game. The closest the Marlins came to scoring was when they were escorted to the foul line by Brazilian dancers in pregame introductions. That’s not actually true. Miami scored a run in the seventh inning, but only because 1B umpire Angel Hernandez blew a call. The gift run allowed Jason Motte to enter the game in the ninth with a save opportunity, which he quickly converted.

The two teams had a national audience on ESPN as they were the only game on Wednesday’s schedule. Seven games are slated for Thursday as the season continues to launch at a snail’s pace. Astros fans will have to wait yet another 24 hours to see their team play a game that actually counts in the standings. Wandy Rodriguez will oppose Jeremy Guthrie and the Rockies at 6:05 Friday night.