Adam Wainwright outduels Jacob Turner to lead St. Louis Cardinals over Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins played two games on Saturday afternoon, you can find the game recap for the first game here. The second game featured a strong pitching match-up in Jacob Turner against Adam Wainwright. Turner was impressive yesterday, but unfortunately, Wainwright was one better than Turner, as he dominated the Marlins in 4 2/3 innings en route to a 2-0 victory for the Cards.

Turner Improves

Mar 9, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jacob Turner (33) throws in the second inning during a spring training game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob Turner made his second start of the spring Saturday, his second time facing off against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first start did not go to well, as he gave up six runs in one-third of an inning. On Saturday, Turner looked a lot better for the Marlins.

This time, Turner was stretched out for three innings and was able to shut the Cardinals lineup down. Turner struck out two batters in the outing and allowed only one walk, which was an improvement over his three walks and no strikeouts in his first start. Turner only allowed two hits in this one as well.

His spring ERA currently sits at 16.20, but the Marlins are going to ignore that number as long as he pitches like he did Saturday.

The Marlins pitching staff performed very well in the loss. The Marlins struck out five batters and walked just two, minus reliever Chris Hatcher. Hatcher allowed four hit,  including a two-run double to Pete Kozma, which were the only runs of the game for the Cardinals side. Hatcher has not looked good this spring and his pitching career looks as bright right now as his previous catching career did.

Offense Struggles Again

The Marlins offense could only come up with five hits and struck out ten times against the Cardinals dominant pitching. Wainwright was responsible for six of those strikeouts, keeping the Marlins hitters off balance in his 4 2/3 innings. He seemed to be in mid-season form in this one.

The only player for the Marlins to do well in this one was second baseman, Donovan Solano. Solano was 2-for-3 with his first extra base hit of the season, a double off of Wainwright in the first inning. He currently owns a .542/.542/.591 line as of right now, easily one of the Marlins top hitters so far this spring.

Up next: The Marlins will face off  with the Atlanta  Braves at 1:05 p.m. ET on Sunday. Wade LeBlanc, competing for the fifth-starter spot, gets the nod. The lefty has thrown five scoreless innings this spring for the Marlins, with six strikeouts and just one hit allowed. Atlanta will counter with Tim Hudson.

Here is a look at the Marlins lineup for the game: