OT - MLB - 2011 World Series Champs - STL Cardinals Off and Running in 2012 - Leading the Central with a 5-1 Division Lead

Cardinals hit 2 HRs, beat Reds 3-1

St. Louis Cardianls Carlos Beltran runs to home plate after he hit a home run in the first inning of their baseball game in Cincinnati Tuesday April 10, 2012. Looking on is Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake who gave up the home run. (AP Photo/Tom Uhlman)

Super Sub: Lynn powers Cardinals to 9-3 victory

(AP Photo/Jim Prisching)

BY DERRICK GOOLDstltoday.com | Posted: Sunday, April 8, 2012

MILWAUKEE -- When the Cardinals relocated Lance Lynn from the bullpen to the rotation as Chris Carpenter's replacement, the question was could Lynn take what he learned from short-burst relief and utilize it during long-form tests.

Sunday offered an initial and emphatic answer.

Every bit the bulldog he was as a reliever, Lynn rifled through the Milwaukee Brewers in the Cardinals' 9-3 victory at Miller Park. Lynn struck out eight, held the Brewers' to a solo homer through his 6 2/3 innings of work, and allowed only two hits. He threw 100 pitches, and he unnerved Milwaukee with a mix of heat and benders that led to three called third-strike Ks.

Lynn pitched consistently at 94 mph, and he twice reached 95 mph to punch-out a Brewer hitter.

The Cardinals backed Lynn with another display of offense that included three hits from three different hitters. Rafael Furcal had his third three-hit game of the season, giving him as many hits (10) in 19 at-bats this season as he had in a frustrating 52 at-bats during spring training. Carlos Beltran moved into the cleanup spot and contributed three hits, including his second homer of the season.

Shane Robinson punctuated his first start of the season with the first homer of his career.

Robinson had two singles in his first two at-bats as the Cardinals starting center fielder Sunday, and in the ninth he turned on a 2-1 pitch to drive a three-run shot into the second deck of stands in left field at Miller Park.

The only run against Lynn came in the...Yes, it's way too early in the season but it's a good start for the 2011 World Series Champions. Not so good for the New York Yankees or Boston Red Sox who finally got Ws.... Stay tuned....

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Permalink Reply by Valentino Martinez on April 9, 2012 at 2:51am

Carlos Beltran already has two HRs and David Freeze has 6 RBIs....and the beat goes on. So far not missing a beat with Carp and Albert out of the mix.