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

NPR: Cardinals Beat Rockies 3-0 On Wainwright Gem

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.

WSJ: Rockies ice Mets with temperatures in the 20s