NEW YORK -- Just before the Cardinals began their 127th season in the National League, the club gained clarity on how it would finish games. Then the season commenced, and the plan stalled.
So much of St. Louis' success in 2018 hinges on the right arm of Carlos Martinez. That truth was hammered home Thursday in the Cardinals' 9-4 Opening Day loss to the Mets at Citi Field. Homers by Yadier Molina and Jose Martinez weren't enough on a tough day for Cardinals pitchers.
"It was a battle today, for him and for us," Molina said.