MIAMI • First, the controversial, colorful, braided hair extensions found their way to the trash can. Then, Cardinals righthander Carlos Martinez scored his first victory of the season.
Fast forward to his succeeding start Monday night at Marlins Park. Not only did Martinez, a .237 batter last season, get his first two hits of the season and knock in a career-high four runs, but he also scored his first run of the season.
Martinez’s wand was golden, as even when he hit a ground ball to the second baseman, two more runs scored on a Miami error.