Spring Training Rounding the Bases

>>Big Fifth Inning Propels Cardinals Past Mets 

(Jupiter, FL)  — The Cardinals scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to beat the Mets 12-7 in Spring Training.  Brendan Donovan went yard in the victory, while Dylan Carlson drove in three runs.  St. Louis is 2-and-1 in exhibition play.  The Cardinals visit the Nationals today.

>>Reds Fall to Rangers; Play Dodgers Today

(Goodyear, AZ)  — However, the Reds were on the receiving end of a blowout as the Rangers beat Cincinnati 13-2 in Goodyear.  Hunter Greene got the loss after giving up two runs over an inning-and-a-third.  Tyler Stephenson and Mike Siani each drove in a run for the Reds, who return to action this afternoon against the Dodgers.

>>Suzuki Drops Out Of World Baseball Classic 

(Mesa, AZ)  — Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki is opting out of the World Baseball Classic next month.  Suzuki is dealing with a left oblique injury, and he told Team Japan yesterday that he wants to give it time to heal for the start of the regular season.  In other team news, the Cubs lost both of their split-squad Spring Training Games yesterday.  The Cubs play against Milwaukee today.

>>Braves Continue Spring Training

(North Port, FL)  — The Braves are continuing their Grapefruit League action.  Atlanta defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 7-0 in North Port yesterday.  Michael Harris the Second went 2-for-3 and drove in two runs in Atlanta’s first win of the spring.  Max Fried earned the win on the mound.  The Braves improved to 1-1-and-1.  They will visit the Minnesota Twins this afternoon in Fort Myers.