JUPITER, Fla. • John Gant, acquired from Atlanta in the Jaime Garcia trade made after last season, throttled the Braves for the first three innings Saturday, facing nine hitters and retiring all nine. Gant struck out three, throwing 22 strikes in only 31 pitches before turning the game over to Jonathan Broxton.
Gant has allowed just one run in eight innings as the fill-in for Carlos Martinez, who is pitching for the Dominican Republic team in the World Baseball Classic.
AILING MATHENY SENT HOME
Cardinals manager Mike Matheny has applauded his team’s 10-4-1 start this spring but he may not be enjoying this game quite as much, having been sent to his home here when he wasn't feeling well Saturday morning.