After beating two local universities, the Miami Marlins began their Grapefruit League schedule on Thursday with a 4-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

The Marlins sent their regulars to the field for the first time as a collective unit. In their last game against the University of Miami, the Marlins had every regular starter except Giancarlo Stanton in the lineup. The day did not last long for any of the players in that game with quick substitutions.

In this loss, the Marlins gave at least two at-bats to every starter before the reserves took over. Only Ichiro Suzuki remained in the game throughout with the veteran penciled in as the designated hitter.

Offensively the Marlins did not do much and were held hit-less until the fourth inning. In all, Miami had four hits and they all came from the bench with the exception of a Dee Gordon bunt single. The new second baseman was promptly caught stealing after reaching base. Jhonatan Solano had the lone run batted in for Miami.

Dan Haren started the game for Miami and gave up two runs in two innings. The veteran allowed both runs in the first and also surrendered three hits. Haren will likely go three innings in his next start as the Marlins build up his arm strength.

Also pitching for Miami in this one were David Phelps, Aaron Crow, Steve Cishek, Mike Dunn, A.J. Ramos and Nick Masset. The two other runs for St. Louis came off of Dunn who walked one and allowed a pair of hits in a tough inning. Phelps did well in his debut for Miami with two scoreless innings of relief.

The Marlins will hit the road on Friday for a game against the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers. Tom Koehler will make the start for Miami.