Miracle win 5th straight
JUPITER – Mike McCardell threw six innings of shutout ball and Joe Mauer went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI in his first rehab start as the Fort Myers Miracle snapped Jupiter’s two-game win streak with a 3-1 victory Friday night.
McCardell (1-2) struck out six, and after allowing a leadoff single to Geraldo Valentin in the first, held the Hammerheads hitless. He hit his spots much better after allowing 12 hits in eight innings heading into Friday’s game.
The Miracle have now won five straight.
Mauer appears to be on track in his rehab, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBI, although the true test will come later as he makes sure the back soreness that placed him on the disabled list subsides after regular game action.
In the field, Mauer was charged with a passed ball on a crossed-up sign with the pitcher. The two-time reigning American League batting champion was lifted before the bottom of the eighth, but is expected to remain with the Miracle during the six-game road series.
Joining Mauer with a multi-hit game was Chris Parmelee, who went 2-for-4 with an RBI.
Kyle Waldrop allowed two hits in one inning, but stranded two to keep the game scoreless.
Left-hander Spencer Steedley got the final out for his first save.
The Miracle and Hammerheads play again at 6:05 p.m. Saturday.