Jason Heyward picks up three hits in Cardinals’ opening night victory

After winning 90 games last season, the St. Louis Cardinals opted to return mostly the same cast of characters for 2015. The team’s only big move came early, as the team acquired Jason Heyward from the Atlanta Braves in November.

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It was thought that a change of scenery could kick-start Heyward’s bat. If his first night with the Cardinals was any indication, the early results look positive.

Heyward managed three hits in his first three plate appearances with his new club. He also scored the first run of the season on a Matt Holliday single in the first inning.

During the game, ESPN’s John Kruk broke down Heyward’s swing, pointing out some changes Heyward has made this spring and suggesting it would lead to success. All three of Heyward’s hits came against Chicago Cubs’ starter Jon Lester. Last season, Heyward hit just .169 against left-handers.

Heyward grounded out and lined out in his final at-bats, finishing 3 for 5 with a run scored. All in all, it was a pretty solid debut for the 25-year-old.

Heyward is entering the final year of his contract, and could receive a massive deal on the free-agent market if he can turn in a big season. If opening night was a glimpse at the future, Heyward is going to be very rich in a few months.

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