VIERA, Fla. • With the Nationals relocating their spring training home to Palm Beach County next season, Thursday's Grapefruit League exhibition at Space Coast Stadium will be the Cardinals' final trip here.
The venue's towering statue of Casey at the Bat will be missed. But at least the sendoff will feature fireworks: Adam Wainwright vs. Nationals ace and native St. Louisan Max Scherzer.
"He's a great test for a lot of our guys, without question," manager Mike Matheny said before the game. "Right now, it's just getting our guys ready, getting some confidence, getting a little competition.