~ The right-hander combined with three relievers to shut out the Marlins
JUPITER, Fla. -- Cardinals manager Mike Matheny is impressed with Lance Lynn's steady improvement in spring training.
Lance Lynn delivered what was easily his best outing of spring training, and three relievers made a first-inning run stand up for the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1-0 victory over the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Lynn allowed only two hits in six innings while striking out five. He retired the final 14 batters he faced.
"Lance Lynn was nasty," Matheny said. "He got better every single start. He's got a little edge now to him. A lot of it comes from people second-guessing his offseason workout. Good. I hope he carries it for a long time."
Edward Mujica, Trevor Rosenthal and Mitchell Boggs combined to allow only one hit over the final three innings to seal the victory and ensure that the Cardinals (16-14), who have one Grapefruit League game remaining, will finish with a winning record.
The Cardinals jumped to the lead in the first inning against Justin Nicolino, who will begin the season in the minors. Jon Jay bounced a double down the left-field line, advanced to third on Matt Carpenter's sacrifice and scored on Matt Holliday's RBI single. Jay and Holliday both had two hits.
Miami concluded its spring with a 13-16 record.
Overall, first year manager Mike Redmond was pleased with the way his first camp unfolded.
"We've had a good spring," Redmond said. "The things I wanted to accomplish here I've been able to do. I feel good. Is it perfect? No, it's not perfect. But I think opening day, when the bell rings, these guys are going to be excited and we are going to go out there and play with an energy and a focus and try to win some ball games."
* St. Louis honored its Class AA Springfield team, presenting them with rings for winning the Texas League championship in 2012.
* St. Louis held a press conference to announce a 5-year, $97.5 million contract with pitcher Adam Wainwright that takes effect following this season.
* St. Louis plays its final spring training game today in Port St. Lucie against the New York Mets.
* The Cardinals announced a spring attendance of 98,715 at Roger Dean Stadium, an average of 6,169 per game. St. Louis played in front of eight home sellout crowds.
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