SPRINGFIELD, Mo. • Class AA starter Jack Flaherty befuddled his big league counterparts and withstood a Yadier Molina come-backer that struck his left foot to pitch four scoreless innings in Friday night's exhibition at Hammons Field.
Springfield struck first, claiming a one-run lead in the third inning on second baseman Eliezer Alvarez's single up the middle. Jedd Gyorko's dive came up empty, and Springfield center fielder Adolis Garcia scored, flashing some of the speed that became a major talking point this spring.
Cardinals starter Mike Leake has allowed six hits through five innings.
The Cardinals have four hits, two fewer than Springfield, entering the sixth.