Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn allowed three runs and four hits over 5 2/3 innings of a 6-5 loss to Miami in a Grapefruit League game Saturday. Lynn, scheduled to start the third game of the regular season at Arizona, struck out five and walked two. He also hit consecutive batters to open the fourth inning.
An 18-game winner last year, Lynn has struggled after losing about 30 pounds during the offseason. The right-hander has a 6.62 spring ERA in 17 2/3 innings over five starts.
"Better, and that's what you're looking for every time out," he said. "I'm getting to be where I want to be and where I need to be for the first week of the season. I'm not worried about good or bad outings, it's about improving every time out."