Cardinals blank Miracle

By Special to the Fort Myer News-Press

JUPITER — It was the Adam Ottavino show on Monday night as the Palm Beach starter went eight innings, allowing the only four hits of the night, as his Cardinals shut out the Fort Myers Miracle 4-0 at Roger Dean Stadium.

Ottavino, who improved to 5-5 behind his seven strikeouts, handed the Miracle their 16th shutout this season.

Ottavino, a first-round draft pick of the St. Louis Cardinals a year ago, proved his worth against the Miracle by retiring 19 of his final 20 Miracle hitters on the night.

The Miracle had two scoring chances early on but couldn't take advantage of either situation.

The finale of the four-game series will take place today. The Miracle will try to avoid their third sweep of the year by sending right-hander Jay Rainville (3-7, 3.50 ERA) to the mound against righty Robert Ransom (0-0, 2.70 ERA).