Michael Wacha, Matt Adams power St. Louis Cardinals over Houston Astros

Entering Saturday’s contest against the Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Michael Wacha had a 1.08 ERA. Wacha’s ERA went up to 1.76 when he departed the game.
Mar 2, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws the ball against the New York Mets at Roger Dean Stadium. Image Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
After teammate Adam Wainwright pitched eight innings on Friday afternoon, Wacha went seven innings deep during the Saturday exhibition. In seven innings, Wacha allowed two runs–one of which came on a home run by Jose Altuve.

The Aggies alumnus moves to 3-0 this spring as the Cardinals won 5-2 over their former NL Central rivals. It took 85 pitches to get through seven innings, where Wacha struck out eight batters and allowed only four hits. Wacha didn’t allow a walk.

Facing a left-hander in Astros pitcher Brett Oberholtzer, Matt Adams hit a two-run double and a solo home run. It will certainly be interesting to see what Adams will be able to do with a full season as an everyday player.

More importantly, this gave Adams an opportunity to face left-handed pitching this spring. It’s possible that Mike Matheny will use him as a regular starter when facing such pitching this season rather than have him on the bench.

Sunday’s game between the Cardinals and Astros will mark their last game against each other during the calendar year. The 2014 season will mark the first time since the Astros entered the National League in which there will not be a series between the two teams.

Joe Kelly will take the start against Houston. It his his final appearance before the St. Louis Cardinals must decide to go with him or Carlos Martinez as the club’s fifth starter in the rotation.

Jaime Garcia is expected to throw 25 pitches during a bullpen session on Sunday.

Jason Motte faced live competition and is closing in on a return.

Bernie is absolutely right. Anyone that doesn’t think Yadier Molina is the gold standard for catchers playing defense is only kidding themselves.