DENVER • The same Colorado Rockies team that burrowed under Carlos Martinez’s skin a year ago gave him a bruise there Monday, but this time it elicited a far different reaction.
In an eventful five innings the Cardinals’ starter had to contend with lightheadedness, bloated pitch counts, running the bases, and a bruised calf muscle. And through it all he maintained a mindful focus that escaped him last time against the Rockies and won the game this time for him and the Cardinals. Martinez’s two-run double broke a tie and urged the Cardinals to a 5-3 victory Monday at Coors Field.