masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgDid I mention that Brian Matusz’s grandparents are here today?

Matusz has raised the bar so high this spring, today’s effort looks like a real struggle.

The Cardinals strung together back-to-back singles with one out in the fourth, executed a double steal and tied the game on David Freese’s double to right.

Matusz has allowed two runs and six hits through the fourth. He’s thrown around 60 pitches. I’ve lost track, but I’ll get the official count later.

Brandon Snyder is having a nice…Did I mention that Brian Matusz’s grandparents are here today?

Matusz has raised the bar so high this spring, today’s effort looks like a real struggle.

The Cardinals strung together back-to-back singles with one out in the fourth, executed a double steal and tied the game on David Freese’s double to right.

Matusz has allowed two runs and six hits through the fourth. He’s thrown around 60 pitches. I’ve lost track, but I’ll get the official count later.

Brandon Snyder is having a nice afternoon. He has two hits and two outstanding plays in the field. He reached into the stands to catch Joe Mather’s foul pop for the second out.

Robert Andino made a lunging grab of Brendan Ryan’s liner to end the inning.

Matt Holliday is 0-for-2. Sources tell me the Orioles are laying in the weeds to sign him after the game.

Update: Felipe Lopez’s double scored pinch-runner Skip Schumaker with no outs and gave the Cardinals a 3-2 lead in the fifth. Julio Lugo singled to open the inning.

Albert Pujols walked and Lopez stole third base with one out to put runners on the corners, but Ryan Ludwick grounded into a double play.

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Update II: Nolan Reimold led off the top of the sixth with a double to left field. He seems to be running just fine. And his bat is heating up. That’s two hits and an RBI today. He’s hit safely in three straight games.