ST. LOUIS — The only thing different is the contract. Shortstop Troy Tulowitzki remains a catalytic force for the Rockies in his second full season, needing only one night to show why he received a $31 million extension this winter. He made a diving stab to his left to start a double play in the first inning. He also reached safely in his first three plate appearances, including a first-inning double.
Left-handed complement:
An explanation why Rockies left-hander Micah Bowie made the team came in the sixth inning. With runners on first and second and one out, Bowie induced an inning-ending double-play groundball from lefty Rick Ankiel. Bowie limited lefties to a .250 average last season.
Catcher in the right:
Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina appears poised for a breakthrough season after losing 15 pounds in the offseason. He homered in the fifth. He didn’t hit his first home run last year until April 27.
Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post
