Bats Go Silent As Miami Marlins Lose Spring Finale to St. Louis Cardinals

March 28, 2013; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Justin Nicolino (34) delivers to the St. Louis Cardinals during the spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Are you a fan of baseball? Well, if you’re reading this right now chances are you enjoy watching the sport. The real question is, are you a fan of games that have little to no offense? If you answered yes to that question, you probably won’t put yesterday’s Marlins/Cardinals games on your list of great baseball games.

As the regular season continues to slowly approach us, the Miami Marlins took on the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday, as the two teams continue to make their last second roster decisions. The game, which took place at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter Florida, featured two young pitching talents who had one last chance to show their worth a spot on the opening day roster.

For the Marlins, Justin Nicolino took his spot on the mound and was quite impressive. Nicolino, the young 21 year old lefty, who made his MLB debut, pitched five innings, allowing a lone run in the first inning, while allowing six hits and striking out six. Unfortunately, Nicolino was unable to pull off a victory in his first appearance as a major leaguer. What he was able to pull off was some very high praise from first year Marlin head coach, Mike Redmond. “One of the things I loved about managing him was that he was such a great competitor.” Redmond said. “For a young kid to come up here and show that much poise and confidence facing such a big league lineup — a legitimate big league lineup — that was good to see. … Huge test and he passed for sure.”

Even though he was unable to earn a victory yesterday, the future is still very bright for Justin. He is currently listed as the fourth best prospect in the Marlins organization. After being drafted in the second round of the First Year Player Draft in 2010 by the Toronto Blue Jays, Nicolino was traded to the Marlins back in the controversial November trade between the Marlins and the Blue Jays.

Unfortunately for the Marlins, there wasn’t much to be too excited about. The offense was shut-out and only managed to get three hits.

Much like the Marlins, the Cardinals sent out a young pitcher who also impressed. During the course of Spring Training, Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn has been very impressive. Yesterday was no different, as Lynn was able to pitch six shut-out innings, while allowing just two hits and recording five strikeouts. Even after Lynn the Cardinals pitching staff was quite impressive. Although he only pitched one inning, former Marlin, Edward Mujica, had a fantastic performance. In his only inning, Mujica was able to strike out two of the batters.

Matt Holliday shined for the Cardinals, getting on base both times he stepped up to the plate, including a RBI single in the first inning.

This game was not exactly what you would call a thriller. For the Marlins, Spring Ball is over and the real thing will now come to a start on Monday. The Marlins will head to Washington to take on the defending division champion Nationals. The Marlins will send ace Ricky Nolasco to the mound to face the young phenom Stephen Strasburg at 1:05. Make sure you either set your DVR or watch the game. Although it might not be physically felt by the players, this Marlins team is going to need all the support they can get.

Thanks for Reading!