JUPITER, Fla. -- Trevor Richards pitched with a sense of urgency on Sunday afternoon, and the 25-year-old made a statement in his push for a rotation spot.

Richards threw six no-hit innings, striking out six without issuing a walk in the Marlins’ 4-2 win over the Cardinals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter.

“Towards the end of Spring Training here, I’m going out there to attack hitters,” Richards said. “I’m pitching for a spot. I’m just going out there and doing my best in every game.”

Winners of nine straight Grapefruit League games, pitching is setting the tone for Miami. It was more of the same on Sunday, with the Marlins carrying a no-hitter into the ninth inning before Dexter Fowler singled to open the inning off Tayron Guerrero.

The way Richards has thrown all spring, and especially late in camp, has undoubtedly improved his chances to be one of five starters the Marlins will go with when the season opens on March 28 against the Rockies at Marlins Park.

For the spring, Richards has a 1.86 ERA in 19 1/3 innings. He’s logged 20 strikeouts and walked just four.

With a four-pitch mix, Richards has become one of Miami’s most efficient starters. Not overpowering with a fastball that touches 92 mph, Richards has a plus changeup and improving curveball and cut-fastball.

Richards logged four strikeouts Sunday on changeups.

“Obviously, the changeup is his pitch,” manager Don Mattingly said. “He elevated the fastball. A lot more looks now. It’s not just a simple look. You’ve got some things you’ve got to deal with up there.”

A native of Aviston, Ill., Richards grew up rooting for the Cardinals. On Sunday, he had a support group, with his parents, fiancée and other family members in town.

“It’s always cool, especially Spring Training with a lot of people down here,” Richards said. “Family is here.

“But it’s Spring Training, who I’m facing doesn’t really matter. I’m not studying. I’m just working on getting better and getting ready for the season.”

Alvarez homers again

Three at-bats. Three home runs.

Pedro Alvarez is doing his part to give the Marlins something to think about when finalizing their Opening Day roster.

A non-roster invitee, Alvarez belted a two-run homer on Sunday that proved to be the difference. He’s also homered in three straight at-bats, counting the two he belted in Saturday’s 11-6 comeback win over the Mets.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of every opportunity I get,” Alvarez said. “I’m staying ready for whenever I get an opportunity. Just coming in every day and working on what I need to work on. The end goal, obviously, you want to be on the club, and help this team win some games.”

Alfaro on target for opener

A bruised right knee has kept catcher Jorge Alfaro out of game action since March 5. Still, the Marlins are confident the 25-year-old catcher will be ready for Opening Day on March 28 against the Rockies at Marlins Park.

Alfaro was on the field Sunday doing baseball activities – hitting in the cages and doing some drills on the field.

“At this point, we’re still planning on him being ready for the season, Opening Day,” Mattingly said. “He’s on the field today, which is good. He’s in the cages, doing stuff on the field.”

At some point this week, Alfaro will play in Minor League games. From there, it will come down to whether there is enough time to get into Grapefruit League action, which concludes on March 24.

“We’re moving in the right direction,” Mattingly said. “This week, I’m sure we’ll get him at-bats. We’ll get him started in Minor League at-bats. He’s going in the right direction. He’s feeling great.

"I’m confident that he’s going to be ready. I’m pretty confident of that. I’d love to have him get 50 at-bats or something, and caught 10-12 games. We’re not going to get that.”

Alfaro has had five Grapefruit League at-bats.

If Alfaro is ready for Opening Day, that will be a big boost to the club.

In his absence, the Marlins have given substantial playing time to Bryan Holaday and Chad Wallach, who are competing for the backup spot. Wallach is on the 40-man roster, while Holaday is a non-roster invitee.

Up next

The Marlins head to the FITTEAM Ballpark of Palm Beaches on Monday in West Palm Beach at 1:05 p.m. ET to take on at the Astros. Lefty Caleb Smith, who threw four perfect innings with six strikeouts in his only Grapefruit League appearance, will make the start for Miami. Smith, recovering from left lat surgery, is competing for a rotation spot.