AUTHOR: erich job TITLE: I'm back DATE: 8:21:00 AM ----- BODY:

Hello heaters, I'm sorry I haven't been here in a while. I've been dealing with some personal,and family matters. I promise to be more active. Today,and throughout Spring Training I will provide you with the most up to date Cardinals news as possible.Yesterday the Cardinals played the New York Mets,losing 17-11. As shown by the score,both teams pitching staffs struggled pretty badly. The eighteen mile per hour winds did not make it any easier. The Cardianls gave Evan MacLane the starting nod. MacLane surrendered three runs on three hits in two innings of work. MacLane was followed by Adam Ottavino,who struggled giving up three walks,and an un earned run in two innings of work. The next Cardinals pitcher was knuckleballer Charlie Zink,who blew the game wide open by surrendering seven runs [five earned] over one and a third innings of work. At the plate for the Cardinals, Ryan Ludwick led the way by going two for three, with a home run,two runs scored,and a team high three runs batted in. Prospect Joe Mather finished two for three with a run batted in. Also,Third Base hopeful David Freese had a rough game,finishing 0 for three with a strikeout. The Cardinals will play their Home Park opener at 1205 against the Mets in a Split Squad game. The Cardinals are expected to have Albert Pujols,Matt Holliday,and Bengie Molina,who did not make the trip to St.Lucie in uniform. Also,Brad Penny is scheduled to make his Cardinals debut.

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