Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder can warm-up for this weekend’s partisan softball game with the help of some aspiring St. Louis Cardinals.

Kinder, along with St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, are honorary “owners” in a charity softball game Sunday between the Young Democrats and Young Republicans of St. Louis.

Tonight, Kinder, in Springfield, Mo. for a state Tourism Commission meeting, will throw out the first pitch for St. Louis’ minor-league affiliate, also called the Cardinals.

The Springfield Cardinals are in sole possession of first place in their Double-A division, thanks to strong pitching performances Wednesday night from Jason Isringhausen, on a rehab assignment from the big league club, and prospect Jess Todd, who struck out six without giving up an earned run.

Now if only they had a first baseman available to loan out for a few weeks…