JUPITER, Fla. (AP) — Adam Wainwright pitched into the seventh inning in St. Louis’ 3-2 loss to Miami on Tuesday, and manager Mike Matheny said the ace right-hander will start for the Cardinals on opening night against the Cubs. Wainwright allowed two runs and eight hits while throwing 93 pitches in 6 2-3 innings. He was slowed by an abdominal injury early in spring training.

Sunday’s game in Chicago will be Wainwright’s third consecutive opening start and No. 4 overall. Wainwright says it’s “really a validation for the work that you put in.” Ichiro Suzuki went 2 for 2 and drove in a run for Miami. He also made a sliding catch in center field. Henderson Alvarez, who will start on opening day for the Marlins, allowed one run in six innings.