JUPITER, Fla. — Shelby Miller finally got a chance to pitch against the Boston Red Sox.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ right-hander gave up a leadoff homer in his spring-training debut Wednesday, then retired eight straight to help beat Boston, 8-6.
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The game was a relaxed rematch of last year’s World Series won by the Red Sox.
Miller, who was held out of the World Series because the Cardinals didn’t want to add to the rookie’s season-long workload, gave up a homer to Daniel Nava on his second pitch. That was the lone baserunner allowed by Miller, who struck out five, four looking, and reached 95 mph on the radar gun.
“Physically I felt amazing out there,” he said. “It’s still early and we’ve got to build up, but I felt like the fastball was coming out of my hand really good.”
Boston newcomer Chris Capuano, pitching his first game, went two innings and allowed two runs on a homer by Xavier Scruggs. Xander Bogaerts homered for Boston.
The stakes will be higher when they meet in St. Louis on Aug. 5-7. Miller conceded the atmosphere for the exhibition game didn’t quite compare to the World Series.
“I was surprised – I didn’t really see too many Boston fans,” he said.
“But when I gave up the home run it was pretty loud. Obviously Boston has really good fans. Not better than ours, though.”
The game marked the start of a two-day visit to Jupiter for the Red Sox. They’ll play the Miami Marlins on Thursday.
Among those not making the trip: David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Mike Napoli and A.J. Pierzynski.
STARTING TIME
RED SOX: Capuano gave up three hits and a walk but pitched well considering it was his first outing, Manager John Farrell said.
Farrell wasn’t as happy with other aspects of the Red Sox performance. They committed three errors, could have been charged with another and gave up five walks.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do as a team,” Farrell said. “We’ve got to do a much better job of commanding the strike zone.”
CARDINALS: At this time a year ago, Miller was competing for a job in the major leagues. Now he’s coming off a 15-win rookie season but mindful of the Cardinals’ pitching depth.
“There’s so much ability around here, I feel like I’m still competing for a spot right now,” he said.
TRAINER’S ROOM
RED SOX: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski, who hurt his left ankle Monday, is expected back in the lineup Saturday. Right-hander Jake Peavy, who cut his left index finger with a fishing knife Saturday, threw his first bullpen session since the injury.
CARDINALS: Closer Trevor Rosenthal threw batting practice one day after he cut a throwing session short because of discomfort in his right leg.
REPLAY
A replay review in the eighth inning took only about a minute despite technical trouble.
The umpires’ ruling on a 1-4-3 inning-ending double play turned by the Red Sox was upheld after Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny challenged the call. A headset in the TV truck didn’t work and was replaced.
BACK IN FORT MYERS
Left-hander Jon Lester threw three innings in a simulated game at the Red Sox complex. He’ll start his first game Monday against Tampa Bay and is expected to throw 55 to 60 pitches.
Right-hander John Lackey will throw three innings in a simulated game Thursday.
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