The Miami Marlins opened up their new ballpark with a visit from the 2011 World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals. The Marlins trotted out their ace, Josh Johnson, as their opening day starter but it was a rough first inning for Johnson and the Marlins.
Johnson gave up the first hit in Marlins Park to Carlos Beltran, who got on base with a single. After Matt Holliday popped out, Lance Berkman hit a line drive in the gap between left and center field, putting Beltran on third base and stretching out the hit to a double, just getting past the tag. David Freese, the hero of the 2011 World Series, continued to look clutch with a two-out, two-strike double playing two runs giving the Cardinals an early 2-0 lead over the Marlins.
In the bottom of the inning, the Marlin were put down in order by Cardinals pitcher Kyle Lohse. Unfortunately for the Marlins, they opened up the first inning in their new ballpark down two runs.
We'll have plenty more on this game throughout the day, but for more on Marlins baseball, please head over to Fish Stripes. You can also check out Viva El Birdos for more on the Cardinals.