MIAMI (AP) — Yadier Molina hit a two run double during a three-run first inning, Daniel Ponce de Leon and the St. Louis bullpen protected the lead, and the Cardinals beat the Miami Marlins 4-1 Monday night.
Molina drove in two runs with his 382nd double, moving past Hall of Famer Johnny Bench for eighth place on the career list among catchers.
Ponce de Leon (1-0) allowed one run and three hits in five innings.
St. Louis got a perfect sixth from Jordan Hicks and two scoreless innings from Giovanni Gallegos. Alex Reyes closed it with a scoreless ninth for his first save.
RHP (John Gant, 0-3, 2.40 in 2020) will start the middle game of the series on Tuesday, 4:45 with the pregame, first pitch at 5:40 on KIRX.
(LHP) Kwang Hyun Kim (back stiffness) will throw in a game against minor leaguers Tuesday at the club’s spring training facility in Jupiter, Fla. Mike Shildt said Kim is expected to throw approximately 75 pitches.