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Buehrle struggles, Marlins defeat Cardinals 5-0

Sports

March 16th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Mark Buehrle always wants to feel good when he’s pitching. The Miami newcomer says he felt “too good” on Friday in a 5-0 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. Buehrle was tagged for five runs in 2 1-3 innings, allowing six hits and walking two. He threw 70 pitches against what could be the Cardinals‘ opening day lineup. Buehrle signed a four-year, $58 million contract in December to add depth to the Marlins’ rotation. He has a 9.95 ERA in two big league exhibitions. Buehrle allowed eight earned runs in five starts last spring with the White Sox before going on to post a 13-9 record with a 3.59 ERA. He also batted Friday for the first time since June 29.  Buehrle struck out looking with the bases loaded on a 3-2 pitch to end the second. Cardinals starter Jake Westbrook tossed four shutout innings, allowing two hits and striking out four. Matt Holliday hit his first home run of the spring and is batting .500 in exhibition play. St. Louis first baseman Lance Berkman returned to action for the first time since Sunday and doubled. He’d been out with a sore left knee.