The St. Louis Cardinals, now with just three games remaining on their 2012 Grapefruit League Schedule, beat the New York Mets 4-3 on Friday afternoon. The Cards benefited from a strong performance from SP Kyle Lohse (W, 3-1), who pitched 6.0 solid innings, striking out 7 and walking only 1 batter. The Mets offense struggled against Lohse and managed only one unearned run off the righty.
The chief offensive contributions on the day came from 1B Matt Carpenter -- who went 2 for 4 with a double and a solo home run -- and LF Matt Holliday -- who went 2 for 4 with a par of singles. The Cards also got a key double from pinch hitter Adam Melker, a double which pushed their lead to 4-1 in the 6th inning.
The three-run cushion proved just enough as RP Fernando Salas failed to record an out in the 8th inning, walking 1 batter and allowing 3 hits and 2 ER to put the Cardinals lead at 4-3. RP Victor Marte (S, 3) relieved Salas and pitched the final two frames to close out the St. Louis win.
For more on the St. Louis Cardinals, head over to Viva El Birdos, SB Nation's Cards blog. Stay tuned to SB Nation St. Louis for more breaking news and updates concerning all matters St. Louis sports, and MLB Daily Dish for all your MLB rumors and news.