The St. Louis Cardinals got out to an early 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning in their Opening Day contest vs. the Miami Marlins Wednesday night, when David Freese singled in two runs and continued the run of outstanding and timely hitting that began back in the 2011 postseason, when he did that whole win-the-World-Series thing. He's 2-3 against the Marlins' Josh Johnson, with the 2 RBI and a strikeout.

Johnson has been dinged up on balls in play—he's allowed nine hits in six innings in his return to major league action after shoulder problems cost him most of 2011. Kyle Lohse hasn't allowed a hit or a walk in five innings.

The Cardinals' other run comes on a base hit from Rafael Furcal, who has two and a stolen base after worrying the Cardinals with his poor play in spring training. So far every Cardinals starter but Matt Holliday has a base hit, which will be great for people who are determined to see him as a disappointment even now.