JUPITER, Fla. • The Cardinals’ defense stumbled, then starred in the second inning Tuesday against Washington.
First, shortstop Jedd Gyorko couldn’t make connections with catcher Yadier Molina’s throw on Chris Heisey’s attempt to steal. Heisey wound up at third as the ball sailed into center field. But, after starter Adam Wainwright struck out Matt den Dekker, Stephen Drew grounded to Gyorko, lined up on the right side of second base for lefthanded-batting Drew. Gyorko threw out Heisey at the plate, Molina making the tag.
Scott Sizemore walked but third baseman Matt Carpenter ranged well behind the bag for Jose Lobaton’s skimmer and fired to first where Matt Holliday made a one-hop reception for the out.