Paul Goldschmidt #46 of the St. Louis Cardinals high fives Nolan Arenado #28 of the St. Louis Cardinals after hitting a home run in the top of the fifth inning at Great American Ball Park on July 24, 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Lauren Bacho/Getty Images)
It’s just the first week of Spring Training games, and the Cardinals’ dynamic duo is giving fans a taste of what’s coming this season.
In the first inning of the Cardinals‘ Spring Training game against the Nationals at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, FL, two of the National League’s top three finalists for Most Valuable Player were ready to shine.
With Patrick Corbin on the mound for the Nationals, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado knocked back-to-back home runs on fly balls to center field.
Beautiful swings from both Goldy and Arenado in their first homers of Spring Training. It’s good to see the pair getting into a good offensive swing as they prepare for the World Baseball Classic. The two are slated to miss some time in camp with the Cardinals as they play for Team USA.
Goldschmidt, the team’s designated hitter, was 2-for-3, while Arenado was 3-for-3 on the day.
STL Cardinals: Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado give fans a Spring Training treat
The Cardinals went on to win the contest 5-3. Brendan Donovan grounded out in the fourth inning to score Jordan Walker with Chad Kuhl on the mound. In the fifth, Juan Yepez grounded out to score Alec Burleson. Dylan Carlson singled to score Kramer Robertson. Wily Peralta was on the mound for the Nats in the fifth inning.
Top-pitching prospect Matthew Liberatore got the start Tuesday. He gave up no hits in his two innings of work. Another top pitching prospect Gordon Graceffo got the win for the Cardinals. Corbin earned the loss and a 10.80 ERA.
Jeter Downs singled to left field to score Matt Adams in the fifth inning off Giovanny Gallegos. Derek Hill singled in the sixth inning to score Michael Chavis off Packy Naughton. Stone Garrett knocked a sacrifice fly to center field off Naughton to score Keibert Ruiz.
It’s fun to see Goldschmidt and Arenado shine. Hopefully, this is just the start of big things during the WBC and the season.
