The Cardinals loaded the bases with one out in the second and fourth, both times with the eighth and ninth-place hitter coming up.

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Jonathon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA) gets the opening day assignment in place of Santana, who pitched the first no-hitter in franchise history last year but then collapsed after June.

WSJ: Married to the Mets: Wright waiting for young help

In fact, Brignac batted in place of Jordan Pacheco, who began the inning as a pinch-hitter for Garland.

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Jonathon Niese (13-9, 3.40 ERA) gets the opening day assignment in place of the two-time Cy Young Award winner, who pitched the first no-hitter in franchise history last year but then collapsed after June.

WSJ: Married to the Mets: Wright waiting for young help

This could be as good of place as any to break out of his mini-slump, considering he's a lifetime .316 hitter at Coors Field.

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