News
Cards' Lohse efficient in scoreless start
Right-hander battles wind, Marlins with pleasing results
By Matthew Leach / MLB.com
03/11/10 6:15 PM EST
JUPITER, Fla. -- Kyle Lohse had an extra opponent in his second start of Spring Training. Not only was he facing the Florida Marlins, he was also contending with a stiff wind blowing out to the outfield as he pitched.Despite the fact that just keeping his balance was a challenge, Lohse turned in a quality outing at Roger Dean Stadium in the Cardinals' 5-3 win over Florida. He tossed four shutout innings, striking out two with two hits and no walks. Lohse wasn't bad in his first start, but he was a lot better on Thursday.
"Results-wise, it was pretty good," Lohse said. "It was tough in the wind, [just trying] to keep my balance in the windup. It was a little gusty out there. I went into it, and [pitching coach Dave Duncan] talked to me and we were trying to get as many ground-ball outs as we could, and I did pretty good. It wasn't anything I would want to say was great, but it was pretty good results. Made pitches, got quick outs, and that's what we're trying to do here."
Lohse was efficient enough that he needed to throw 12 pitches in the bullpen to get to his scheduled pitch count of 60. He came out of the session feeling good physically and ready for another start in five days.
"I felt strong," he said. "I felt like I was staying on top of the hitters more. I felt really strong coming out of it. It's always a good thing in Spring Training, when you keep that pitch count down and you've got to finish up in the bullpen. It's a good sign. Everything is going along as planned."
Manager Tony La Russa tipped his cap to his starter.
"He's building on it," La Russa said. "This was a very tough day to pitch. There were a lot of good pitches made."
Matthew Leach is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
